17 May 2012: Northern Sydney Institute - Northern Beaches College – Hospitality and Commercial Cookery awards

Didasko is proud to provide the perpetual Cert IV Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) award to the Northern Sydney Institute of TAFE (NSI).

Graham Staples Didasko Sales Director was delighted to attend the NSI awards ceremony and present the Hospitality and Commercial Cookery Merit Award to Olivia Kerin. Olivia received First Place for: Certificate IV in Hospitality (Commercial Cookery)

Ann Jarvis and Paul Schroder, Head Teachers said.

"We and our dedicated team of teachers here at Northern Beaches College took great care in choosing Didasko. We are all delighted with the move across and especially the feedback from students who are now engaged online with Didasko across all hospitality subjects. The ease of navigation, the way the Didasko LMS keeps both teacher and student fully focused and on track is excellent. We thank Didasko for their ongoing support and providing Northern Beaches College with the Cert IV perpetual cookery award"

22 February 2012: Academie Accor choose Didasko Online

Didasko are delighted to announce that Academie Accor have chosen Didasko Online for their Certificate II, III, IV and Diploma of Hospitality training programs across Australia.

Lynda Rowan (National Learning and Development Manager, Academie Accor) said:

"We have chosen Didasko Online because it is a serious educational platform that keeps learners engaged and on track. Academie Accor trainers can see exactly where the learners are with their educational pathways at any time. Plus, what they have accessed and their results are automatically recorded. This supports our ongoing commitment to our employees and their development.

Didasko’s educational content with imbedded assessments supports the RTO compliance, whilst still allowing Academie Accor to upload training materials related to our specific requirements.

We have been impressed by Didasko's availability and service in the selection process.

We look forward to a long and successful business relationship between Academie Accor and Didasko Learning Resources"

17 February 2012: Didasko sponsor Holmesglen student's learning opportunity at 'Arzak' in Spain

Didasko is absolutely thrilled to sponsor one of Holmesglen's star cookery apprentices, Callum Nugent, in the next (and very exciting) stage of his cookery education.  This February, Callum will fly to Spain for a once in a lifetime opportunity: a fourteen-month placement at Arzak in Spain, voted the eighth best restaurant in the world in the San Pellegrino World's 50 Best Restaurants for 2011.  Restaurant patriarch Juan Mari Arzak - also known to many as 'The Godfather of Basque Cooking' - has just been awarded the San Pellegrino Lifetime Achievement award and holds three Michelin stars.   When asked what he wanted to gain from this opportunity, Callum said he wanted to learn as much as possible; experience the cultural differences between Spain and Australia and pick up some new cookery techniques. In order to make the most of this fantastic overseas opportunity, Callum has been taking Spanish lessons.  He will also look at undertaking study at the Basque Culinary Centre whilst in Spain. This incredible experience will not only provide Callum with the knowledge integral for keeping pace in a rapidly changing industry, but it will enable him to identify innovative techniques and solutions, and discuss the latest research and trends with respected professionals in the industry.   The Centre for Hospitality, Cookery and Bakery at Holmesglen is dedicated to continually finding fresh, 'out-of-the-box' opportunities for their students to enhance their careers in the hospitality industry, wherever they might be. Didasko is proud to be able to assist Callum for the entirety of his studies in Spain, via access to our flexible online learning solution, Didasko Online™. This will enable Callum to have our cookery multimedia and supportive online tools close-at-hand enabling him to continue his studies at Holmesglen off-shore. Callum - all the best with your adventures in the Spanish cocinas. We look forward to hearing about your experience upon your return!   Young culinary talent Callum Nugent (Image courtesy of Holmesglen )

07 February 2012: Didasko attend TTA dinner as guest of Evolution

Didasko's Graham Staples (Director of Sales) and his wife Julie were delighted to be the honoured guests of Evolution Training at the recent TTA President's Dinner held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Sydney.

It was an excellent evening and Didasko thank Evolution Training for their generous hospitality and look forward to a succesful year working with the Evolution Training team.

Stuart Page (Evolution Training) said "We have chosen Didasko Online for the ease of student navigation through their excellent educational content, supported by a complete customised LMS solution. Didasko content reflects the Australian Training Package 100% with full mapping and assessments. To my knowledge they are the first education publisher to offer v 2.3 of the SIT07 Hospitality resources. Evolution looks forward to a long and successful partnership and thanks Didasko for their ongoing support".

The team from Evolution Training with Graham and Julie Staples

12 January 2012: Didasko proudly sponsors Bendigo Regional Institute of TAFE's Hospitality Awards

Didasko was recently the proud sponsor of Bendigo Regional Institute of TAFE's Outstanding Student Awards. The awards were presented at both campuses: Echuca on the 28th November and Bendigo on the 30th November.

Didasko congratulates the following award winners:

1st Year Apprentice of the Year recipients:
Joseph Imfeld – Bendigo Campus
Mykel Murrell – Echuca Campus

2nd Year Apprentice of the Year recipients:
Damien Hastings – Bendigo Campus
Alex Green – Echuca Campus

The recipients thanked the Institute and its trainers for the support they received and the opportunities made available to them to enhance their learning and future career options.

Photo 1 (left), L to R: Graham Brown (Didasko), Greg Broom (Senior Educator, BRIT), Damien Hastings, Robert Scott (Training Department Manager - Hospitality & Retail, BRIT)

Photo 2 (right), L to R: Greg Broom (Senior Educator, BRIT), Graham Brown (Didasko), Joseph Imfeld, Robert Scott (Training Department Manager - Hospitality & Retail, BRIT)

09 January 2012: Congratulations Braydan Maloney – GOTAFE's 2011 Outstanding Apprentice, 1st Year - Commercial Cookery

The 2011 GOTAFE Award for Outstanding 1st Year Apprentice Cook was awarded to Braydan Maloney from the Kyabram Club.

Braydan commenced his training at the age of 16 as a school-based apprentice and was later offered a full apprenticeship. Braydan was a medal winner at the Aus-Tafe Cookery Competitions and is thankful for the continued support he receives from his employer, colleagues and trainers. Braydan’s professional approach is also supported by his easy access to knowledge and skills enhancement via the Didasko resource, which he refers to as "a bible in the kitchen".

Due to last minute commitments at the Kyabram Club, Braydan was unable to attend the Awards Ceremony, further demonstrating his dedication to cookery and the Club.

The team at Didasko wish Braydan every success with his future direction and career path.

Braydan Maloney

8 December 2011: Holmesglen cookery student stars at Australian Training Awards

Holmesglen graduate Colin Wilson was recently awarded Best Apprentice in Australia at the 2011 Australian Training Awards. Colin completed his Certificate III in Commercial Cookery in November 2010, whilst working as an apprentice chef at the renowned Chateau Yering in the Yarra Valley.

You can read about Colin's achievements in greater detail here: http://www.holmesglen.edu.au/showcase/news/cookery_student_wins_at_australian_training_awards

Congratulations from Didasko, Colin! We look forward to following your journey in the culinary world ...

6 December 2011: Didasko visits Adelaide for the annual ATTHEA Conference

Graham Staples (Sales Director, Didasko) recently attended the annual conference of the Australian TAFE Tourism and Hospitality Educators Association (ATTHEA), as a proud silver sponsor.

Didasko's stand was very popular with TAFE hospitality educators from around Australia. Graham said: 'This was an excellent conference where Didasko was promoted to key trainers in the hospitality and tourism training industry. Congratulations to Anne Bailey and her team for organising such a successful event.'

We are already looking forward to next year's conference!

16 November 2011: Didasko conducts first learner workshop with students at The Hills College - Baulkham Hills Campus

Graham Staples and Chris Mann recently visited The Hills College - Baulkham Hills Campus to present our first 'Didasko Online Learner Orientation' session, as well as conducting an in-depth workshop with the trainers.

Both learners and trainers were able to explore content via Didasko Online, whilst seeking clarification and assistance from Graham and Chris. We also enjoyed hearing their feedback and suggestions, on ways to improve our online delivery solution to further suit their needs.

Allison Ford and Louise O’Sullivan (Baulkham Hills Campus) thanked Didasko for their attendance and said:

"This first workshop and all the assistance provided by Graham and Chris, has given our teachers the confidence to move forward with Didasko Online. Our decision was also made easy by knowing that Didasko is committed to providing 100% compliant and up-to-date resources (evident by their prompt release of SIT07 v2.3) whilst allowing us to also upload our own TAFE resources and materials for our learners. We look forward to future Didasko workshops and working with the whole Didasko team to ensure a smooth transition across to online learning.”

Thanks Allison and Louise for a great day. We also look forward to our future with your team at Baulkham Hills Campus!

Students at The Hills College - Baulkham Hills Campus enjoy their Didasko Online Learner Orientation workshop with Didasko's Chris Mann and Graham Staples

2 November 2011: Didasko and Pearson launch BTEC eLearning Solution at Springboard Hospitality Awards, London

On October 24, Didasko and Pearson gathered with over 650 people at the Westminster Park Plaza, to attend the Springboard Hospitality awards which celebrated the outstanding achievements of inspiring people and initiatives across the leisure, travel, tourism and hospitality industries.

It was a particularly exciting evening for us, as we were also announcing the release of the BTEC eLearning Solution: brand new eLearning multimedia content and assessments developed to reflect the underpinning knowledge of a range of Technical Certificate Streams (QCF) in the UK. The first of these have been purpose-built for the hospitality industry.

To celebrate the launch, Pearson and Didasko held a taste testing competition at the drinks reception, prior to the awards. Yvonne Malloy from Ed's Easy Diner was the lucky winner whose refined taste buds picked two of the three flavoured shots on offer -Toffee and Rhubarb. Nobody was able to place the third flavour (Ginger) but Yvonne's two correct guesses were enough to win her the competition and a £250 dinner for two at a Gordon Ramsay restaurant of her choice. Well done, Yvonne!

For more information on the new BTEC eLearning Solution, visit www.pearsonwbl.com/elearning.

14 October 2011: Ryde College's first Didasko workshop a great success

Trainers at TAFE NSW – Northern Sydney Institute, Ryde College had their first Didasko online workshop with Chris Mann and Graham Staples.

Didasko have been working closely with the staff at Ryde College to ensure Didasko's resources are consistent with the exemplary training provided by Northern Sydney Institute.

Tony Jacquet said: "The team at Ryde College are confident we have chosen the right online delivery tool and learning resources for our needs. The benefits of choosing Didasko online are many. The main drawcards for us were: Didasko's resources fully mirror the national training package; their specialised educational platform provides our students with a rich and interactive multimedia journey; and we can upload all of our own excellent resources alongside Didasko's. This allows us to present our training delivery at a whole new level."

We look forward to assisting TAFE NSW – Northern Sydney Institute, Ryde College with the online delivery for the Certificate IV, Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs in Hospitality.

Ryde College staff attend a workshop with Didasko's eLearning expert Chris Mann

23 September 2011: Didasko and Pearson WBL team up to deliver content for UK VET sector

Didasko Learning Resources in conjunction with Pearson Work Based Learning are pleased to announce the upcoming release of purpose-built Hospitality and Retail content for the UK vocational sector. Leveraging from the success of our Australian Hospitality and Retail content, Didasko has developed specific eLearning content and assessment tools to support the full delivery and assessment of a number of British Technical Certificate qualifications including: BTEC Level 2 in Hospitality and Catering Principles     (Food & Beverage Service) (QCF) BTEC Level 2 in Hospitality and Catering Principles     (Professional Cookery) (QCF) BTEC Level 2 in Hospitality and Catering Principles     (Professional Cookery – Food Preparation & Cooking) (QCF) BTEC Level 2 Certificate in Retail Knowledge (QCF). Managing Director Andrew Horton said "We are very excited about our deepening relationship with the Pearson team and the BTEC initiative takes our innovative, digital publishing capability to a global market". Didasko BTEC content will be made available to learners via the Didasko Online LMS portal. Pearson and Didasko will host a launch event with Training Providers, FE Colleges and employers in the UK during October.

7 September 2011: OSCAR Hospitality's 2011 Aged Care Hospitality Awards

Congratulations to the following recipients who received awards sponsored by Didasko Learning Resources, in recognition of their excellence in hospitality. The Awards were presented at the Gala Dinner on Friday 5th August.

Chef/Cook of the Year - The Chef/Cook of the Year is awarded to an Aged Care Chef/Cook whose attitude and dedication to Aged Care has been highly praised by management and residents – someone whom goes the extra mile for their staff and residents.

Winner: Neil Herbert, Kew Gardens. Neil joined the team at Kew Gardens Aged Care in February 2010 soon after the facility opened in December of 2009. Neil comes from a background of more than 19 years in the commercial hotel hospitality industry, having worked in the UK before moving to Australia in 2007.

Food Service Assistant of the Year - The Food Service Assistant of the Year is awarded to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to their profession. This person's attitude and dedication to Aged Care has been highly praised by management and residents.

Winner: Margaret Tucker, Heritage Lakes. Margaret has worked at Heritage Lakes since 2008. She is an exemplary worker who demonstrates commitment, enthusiasm and passion for her role. Margaret is a valued employee of Heritage Lakes who possesses excellent rapport with both residents and co-workers. Didasko congratulations all winners at this year's OSCAR Hospitality Aged Care Hospitality Awards!

Photo L - R: Paula Jones (Didasko), Margaret Tucker, Neil Herbert, Chris Mann (Didasko)

3 August 2011: Canberra Institute of Technology Tourism and Hotel Management Student Awards 2011

The Didasko International Award for the Highest Achievement in Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery 2010 was awarded to John Zubieta at a gala presentation event at the CIT restaurant on the 20th June. John is currently employed as a cook at the Casino Canberra.

Team Didasko congratulate John and wish him great success! 

Photo L - R : Tony Mudge (Education Manager, Culinary Skills), Graham Brown (Didasko), John Zubieta, Fiona Mitchell (Director, Tourism and Hotel Management Centre)

12 July 2011: Didasko helps celebrate Appetite for Success Program's launch with TTA

Adam Cossar and Graham Staples (Didasko Learning Resources) were delighted to accept the invitation of Tourism and Training Association (TTA) CEO, Bill Galvin O.A.M, to attend the launch of the Appetite for Success program. TTA is Australia's leading tourism and hospitality professional body. Guests included TAFE and industry leaders, who helped celebrate Appetite for Success' excellence in the industry. Through various mentoring, networking and master class opportunities, Appetite for Success helps our future chefs develop a successful, rewarding and balanced career. Didasko would like to thank Bill and his team for a wonderful event and wish Appetite for Success and its participants a very bright future!

TAFE NSW - Northern Sydney Institute and Sydney Institute students at the TTA Appetite for Success Launch

30 June 2011: Graham Staples guest speaker at the Magnificent 7 Symposium, QLD

Graham Staples (Sales Director, Didasko Learning Resources) was honoured to be invited as a guest speaker to the recent Magnificent 7 Symposium held in Marburg, Queensland. It was an exceptional forum with presentations and workshops on a range of topics over two days. Graham presented on 'The Evolution of Learning' to the Queensland TAFE Directors' Closed Forum; a fascinating subject of interest here at Didasko. He also received very positive feedback on Didasko Online™, which is becoming the preferred online learning solution for TAFE QLD.

Didasko looks forward to continuing working with TAFE QLD and attending further symposiums in the future. Congratulations to the 'Magnificent 7' on a wonderful event!

TAFE QLD Directors enjoying Graham Staples' presentation on 'The Evolution of Learning'

Enjoying the Holmesglen Awards Festival 2011, from left: Paula Jones (Didasko), Andrew Bui, Callum Nugent, Graham Brown (Didasko)

17 June 2011: Congratulations Anisha Dudley – Gippsland TAFE's 2010 Outstanding Apprentice, 1st Year - Commercial Cookery

Didasko warmly congratulates the very worthy recipient of Gippsland TAFE's Outstanding 1st Year Apprentice in Commercial Cookery, Anisha Dudley. Anisha is passionate in achieving her goal of becoming a fully qualified chef. Anisha continually demonstrates a willingness to achieve over and above what is expected. Her skills in the kitchen have grown significantly during her time at GippsTAFE and her attention to detail and presentation is a key feature of her achievements to date. The staff at GippsTAFE look forward to working with Anisha as she enters her second year. Didasko congratulates Anisha on her outstanding achievement and we wish her all the best with her future endeavours!  

Celebrating Anisha's achievements, from left: Carol Elliot – Acting Chief Executive, GippsTAFE; Joanne Stringer – Deputy Board President, GippsTAFE; Anisha Dudley –Recipient of the Didasko Award for the 2010 Outstanding Apprentice 1st Year, Commercial Cookery; Graham Brown – Didasko Learning Resources; Aaron Rigby – Employer, Caledonian Hotel

24 Feb 2011: Sydney Institute of TAFE (Ultimo College) - On-site workshop

Ultimo TAFE teachers who attended the recent workshop organised by Hospitality and Commercial Cookery Head Teacher Scott Wilson and presented by Graham Staples and Adam Cossar of Didasko.

Graham said "This was an excellent workshop. The feedback we have received from Ultimo TAFE has been fantastic. Didasko look forward to working with Sydney Institute of TAFE."

18 Feb 2011: Sydney Institute of TAFE (Loftus and Ultimo) choose Didasko Online

Scott Wilson from Ultimo TAFE said "At Ultimo and Loftus, we have undertaken a comprehensive review evaluating all hospitality training resources currently in the marketplace and our findings are that Didasko's eLearning system meets our flexible resource needs for delivering quality training and assessment significantly better than any other resource providers.

The simplicity of the navigation and the communication tools for our trainers and students via computers or web enabled phones enhances the learning process; plus, Didasko Online fully reflects and tracks the National Hospitality Training package in an easy to understand way. We thank Didasko for the ongoing support that they have continuously shown to TAFE NSW and we look forward to a long and successful partnership between our two organisations."

Scott Wilson - Head Teacher of Hospitality and Commercial Cookery, Sydney Institute of TAFE (Ultimo College)

27 Jan 2011: Sugar International (Talent2) choose Didasko Online

Helen Stig, Client Services and Operations Manager of Sugar International (Talent 2), signs an agreement with Graham Staples Business Development Consultant, Didasko Learning Resources.

Helen said "After researching all training resources available in the market, we find Didasko provide the highest quality eLearning resources for Retail & Hospitality qualifications and meets all our criteria to assist us in providing a complete training solution to our clients".

"Didasko provides one of the few eLearning and training resources that fully mirrors and reflects the National Training Package 100%. Didasko resources will make compliance far more simpler for us.

The depth and contextualisation of information, along with the richness and clarity of the interactive multimedia provides Sugar International with a complete online education solution. We are very excited by the prospective quality online training we can now provide to our clients."

13 Dec 2010: Guilford Training Centre Singapore adopts Didasko Online

Didasko is proud to welcome Guilford Training Centre in Singapore as our new customer in implementing Didasko Online™ for their hospitality training resources.

13 Sept 2010: New eLearning for the global VET sector – Didasko Online™

We are proud to announce the launch of Didasko Online for VET providers. Your complete 'logo' branded web based eLearning system.

Didasko Online has been developed to address industry demand for web access to learning and training compliance and assessment materials whilst driving down delivery and administration costs.

Managing Director Andrew Horton said "The major benefit of Didasko Online is that it provides immediate access to high quality learning and assessment anywhere, anytime – right now. Learners and trainers are able to access Didasko content titles, validation assessments, worksheets and communication tools via PC's, notebooks, iPads and web enabled phones. In addition, Training Providers will be able to co-brand Didasko Online as well as upload supplementary learning materials to facilitate specific learning requirements."

Didasko Online will be immediately launched with VET providers in Australia, South East Asia and the UK.

View our new eLearning and video tour now at http://didasko.com/didaskoonline

For industry enquiries by hospitality and retail VET providers, contact customerservice@didasko.com or phone 1300 554 100 (AEST).

Canberra Institute of Technology Tourism and Hotel Management Centre 2009 Student Awards

Outstanding Student Awards – Holmesglen

Angela Zienow received the Didasko sponsored Outstanding Student Award for VET in VCE Commercial Cookery. She gained a Gold medal in the VET Cookery Competition in April and consistently achieved high marks for all her cookery subjects. Angela's energetic and focussed approach paid off during 1 week's work experience at the RACV Club in the city. At the end of the week Angela was offered an apprenticeship at the club. She accepted the offer and is happily pursuing a career as a pastrychef in an excellent establishment.

Max Curtis received the Didasko sponsored Award for Outstanding Student - VET in the VCE - Hospitality Food & Beverage. The receiving of this award was based on Max's achievements last year in gaining a final result of 48/50 for his unit and completing this despite the need for hospitalization during the year. He is also an extremely mature student with a fantastic approach to class, keen to learn and willing to help other students in his class.

From left to right - Paula Jones (Didasko), Angela Zienow, Graham Brown (Didasko) and Max Curtis.

Gipps TAFE Industry Awards 2009

17/2/10 - GippsTAFE Industry Awards 2009 were presented at a formal dinner in Leongatha 17 February 2010

The recipient of the 2009 Outstanding 1st year Cookery Apprentice, sponsored by Didasko Learning Resources was Andrew Christian. Andrew is employed by Spice Island at Churchill Island in Victoria where he is able to work and learn in an innovative and creative environment.

He is an inspired and dedicated student who displays maturity, enthusiasm and dedication to all areas of his study and in the workplace. Andrew's excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work well in a team environment will support him to continue to excel as his apprenticeship progresses.

Photo Left to Right. Joanne Stringer - GippsTAFE Board Member, Andrew Christian, Graham Brown - Didasko Learning Resources

The production team

2010 sees the multi media production team shift their focus to advanced diploma and patisserie SIT units. Writing is well underway. Also, keep an eye out for the new HD video and graphics enhancements that will be rolled out in 2010. For a list of the units scheduled for release throughout 2010 click here.