Last month Mr Battrick won the 2021 Best of the Best National Culinary Competition award from the Australian Institute of Technical Chefs, in the Certificate II in Kitchen Operations category.

Mr Battrick, who is an apprentice at The George Tavern, said he was very surprised and in shock that he'd actually won, especially since it's an Australia-wide award.

"To win that was a big accomplishment because I've only just started in the industry, and to receive an award after two years is something that's made me feel proud of myself," he said.

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Mr Battrick became interested in the hospitality industry through school, and after being at the top of his class in the HSC decided to pursue it as a career.

"It was something I enjoyed doing and knew I had a passion for," he said.

The Institute of Technical Chefs said Isaac won against fierce competition.

"Against very significant strong contenders, Isaac's nomination to the top was a difficult choice, the obvious outstanding quality, passion and support of nominations proved very challenging to the selectors in all steps," they said.

The application process involved being nominated and then proving himself in a Zoom interview, where questions were asked about the general industry and specific scenarios.

Mr Battrick said he is learning lots from the other chefs at The George, and is enjoying teaching others what he knows too.

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