Secondary students had a cracking good time in the UCOL Whanganui training kitchen yesterday when they participated in the Omelette Challenge.
YMCA, Wanganui Girls' College, Whanganui Community College and Te Wharekura o Tupoho entered four students each, competing as teams and individuals.
Event organiser and UCOL Chef Lecturer Damian Peeti said the students had to compete against the clock to produce and serve two omelettes either folded or shaped within 30 minutes.
Wanganui Girls' College were the big winners with Year 11 student Sarah MacNabb taking out first place with her two-egg bacon, mushroom and onion omelette, and Year 12 student Katie Pull placed second with a three-egg salami, spinach and mushroom omelette.
They teamed up with Year 13 students Hannah Reynolds and Jacinta Crayfar to win the team challenge and the UCOL trophy.
Winners also received UCOL T-shirts and omelette frying pans donated by Southern Hospitality, which sponsored the challenge with Higgins Eggs and Meadow Mushrooms.
The girls credited their school cooking teacher, Nina Barbezat, for helping them to prepare for the challenge and Mr Peeti for his excellent instruction.
Mr Peeti said the challenge is also an opportunity for students to get some on-campus experience and test their suitability for the industry.
"It's about connecting more with secondary schools, giving learners a glimpse into UCOL and the industry. It enables students to make an informed decision about their next step."