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International Women’s Day: balancing the scales in patisserie at South Metropolitan TAFE

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

6 March 2026 

As the world celebrates International Women’s Day on 8 March, South Metropolitan TAFE (SM TAFE) is recognising the women shaping the future of industry, both in the classroom and beyond.

At our Bentley campus, patisserie student Hayley and her lecturer Sara are literally balancing the scales. In baking, precision matters, with every ingredient carefully measured. Their story also reflects the 2026 International Women’s Day theme, “Balance the Scales.”

Together, they represent the growing number of women building successful careers in the culinary industry.

Hayley is currently undertaking a Certificate IV in Patisserie at South Metropolitan TAFE and is passionate about forging a career as a pastry chef. She hopes that by following her dream, she can inspire other women to pursue careers in professional kitchens.

“It feels great; I feel like even if I’m doing it for myself, I may inspire someone else to just gain that confidence to do it for themselves as well.”

Hayley 
South Metropolitan TAFE student

Hayley was recently selected as one of 31 finalists from across Australia and New Zealand in the prestigious Proud to be a Chef competition. The experience included a four-day mentoring program with leading chefs from across the industry.

She described the opportunity as simply “life-changing.”

Supporting Hayley on her journey is patisserie lecturer Sara, who brings more than 15 years of industry experience to the classroom.

Sara began her career working in restaurants as the only woman in the kitchen before progressing to a Head Chef role. Today, she shares her industry knowledge with students training at South Metropolitan TAFE.

“You do have to be assertive and confident that you belong there,” Sara said.

“We’re now seeing a new generation entering the industry where there is greater equality in the kitchen, and that’s something really positive.”

Sara says the diversity of experience among SM TAFE lecturers enriches the learning environment for students.

“We have a really good mix of male and female lecturers here at South Metropolitan TAFE, with industry experience ranging from bakeries and hotels through to fine-dining restaurants.”

International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women and highlight the importance of respect, opportunity and equity across industries.

South Metropolitan TAFE is proud to support this progress, with women representing 52.6% of our workforce and 86% of senior management roles held by women (Level 7 and above).

Balance the Scales reminds us that equality is not about advantage for some – it is about dignity, safety, and fairness for all.

Have a passion for patisserie?

If you enjoy baking and creating desserts, South Metropolitan TAFE offers training to help you develop the skills for opportunities in the patisserie and hospitality industry.

The SIT31021 Certificate III in Patisserie provides the foundation skills required to work in commercial kitchens and produce a range of pastries, cakes and desserts.

You can then continue building your skills with the SIT40721 Certificate IV in Patisserie, gaining advanced techniques and practical experience in professional training environments, including Bentley Pines Training Restaurant.

Scholarships and opportunities for women  

South Metropolitan TAFE offers a range of scholarships and training opportunities designed to support women pursuing study and careers across a variety of industries.

One of the highlights is the Women in Trades Scholarship Program, which aims to increase women’s participation in traditionally male-dominated industries.

The $5,000 scholarship can be used to assist with training costs.

Check out the Women in Trades scholarship program. Applications are open, closing 31 March 2026.

South Metropolitan TAFE also offers several other scholarships and training pathways for women and girls, including:

  • Women in Pre-apprenticeship courses (TAFE at School)  - Speak with your school's VET Coordinator and explore the following girls only courses for 2027: 

    • 52913WA Certificate II in Engineering Foundations (Fabrication Pre-apprenticeship)

    • 52913WA Certificate II in Engineering Foundations (Mechanical Pre-apprenticeship) 

At the end of her training, Hayley will be a fully qualified pastry chef.

Patisserie lecturer Sara and student Hayley are balancing the scales. 

Sara and Hayley are an amazing example of women supporting women.

Hayley (second row, fourth from left) as a finalist in the Proud to be a Chef competition.