Pastry Chef Apprentice 2026

2 days ago

South Wharf, Victoria, Australia Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre Full time $40,000 - $80,000 per year
  • Complete a 3-year Pastry Apprenticeship in our world-renowned kitchen
  • In house training & exposure to an extensive range of culinary techniques

At the Victorian Convention & Event Trust (VCET), we're anything but ordinary. We push the boundaries of culinary creativity, crafting world-class desserts and pastries that leave a lasting impression. Our pastry kitchen is where tradition meets innovation, where every detail matters, and where passionate pastry chefs bring artistry to life.

About Us:

We welcome events of all sizes, from intimate gatherings to grand galas, conventions to virtual and hybrid meetings, exhibitions to electrifying concerts. Our doors are open for moments that connect us—whether in person, virtually, or a blend of both. Nestled along the picturesque Yarra River, Melbourne is our inspiration, reflected in our architecture, hospitality, location, and stunning views.

About the opportunity:

VCET is dedicated to developing future pastry talent. Our Pastry Apprenticeship Program offers the opportunity for 1 Pastry apprentice to complete a three-year pastry apprenticeship in our award-winning kitchen. You'll be trained and mentored by some of Australia's finest pastry chefs, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in a high-calibre professional setting.

There is also an opportunity to do a school based apprenticeship if desired to start your apprenticeship while in later years of secondary education. A school based apprenticeship through high school is a form of Vocational Education and Training (VET)

As a VCET Pastry Apprentice, you will learn fundamental and advanced pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to plated desserts, work with premium ingredients, be part of large-scale production for high-profile events, banquets, and fine-dining experiences. Train in cutting-edge pastry technology while mastering classic artisanal methods.

No matter the event size or scale, at VCET it all comes back to one simple philosophy – made fresh, in-house, by hand.

In this role you will also be required to:

During your Apprenticeship you will be exposed to both current and developing culinary trends, using the latest equipment, systems, and technology available in the industry.

At the end of your Apprenticeship, you will hold a qualification that will enable you to continue your professional culinary career.

An Apprenticeship in Cookery requires a commitment of three years. You may obtain credits from previous studies, reducing the study requirements of your Apprenticeship. As an Apprentice you will be employed full-time by VCET.

Working days:

You should expect to work five (5) shifts a week, with two (2) days off.  Shift hours are typically 7.6 hours in duration.

When you are completing your formal training, you will be expected to attend classes one (1) day a week and work four (4) shifts at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC)  each week.

Your shifts will be on a roster basis. For example, you could be working weekdays or weekends, depending on MCEC event requirements and the roster schedule. 

Shift times:

Shifts will typically be either:

  • Day shifts - with early morning start times (some shifts may start very early depending on the event we are catering to).
  • Afternoon shifts – starting later in the day and finishing in the evening.

You should expect to be rostered onto shifts during the week and on weekends.

Interview Process

Candidates may be contacted for interviews prior to advertisement closure.

Interviews for successful candidates will commence November/December 2025 was applications are closed.

Start date for successful applicants will be Monday 2nd February, 2026

What's for you?

  • Flexible hours and uniform provided & cleaned on-site.
  • Exclusive discounts: Parking, food, childcare, healthcare and many more
  • Subsidised meals catered by our Chefs each day
  • Keep cup incentive with an exclusive staff coffee deal at our Cafés.
  • An iconic venue where no day is the same.
  • And so much more……

Your well-being matters

We care about more than just your job title. Our well-being initiatives are here to support you inside and outside of work.

  • Confidential counselling through our Employee Assistance Program.
  • Discounted gym and pool access with Fitness Passport.
  • Financial coaching through Money Assist, because your future is worth investing in.

Make an impact

We don't just talk about community; we invest in it. Through our partnerships with leading Australian charities, we contribute nearly $2 million annually to causes that champion sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation.

Your development

We're dedicated to being the place where you come to learn and grow. Our annual learning and development programs provide opportunities to help drive your career forward.

Who is VCET?

Victorian Convention and Exhibition Trust (VCET) manages and operates Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) and the upcoming Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre.

VCET oversees the strategic direction and operational management of both venues, ensuring they deliver world-class events and experiences. Committed to innovation, sustainability, and excellence, MCET plays a pivotal role in positioning Victoria as a leading global destination for conferences, exhibitions, and events.

Built on the banks of the Birrarung (Yarra River), Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) Acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Narrm, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and to Elders of all First Nations communities that visit MCEC. We recognise the ongoing significance of the Birrarung to Traditional Owners as a life source and a meeting place for millennia and seek to honour this long-standing tradition of building community and exchanging ideas on these lands.

Join MCEC's pastry teamin celebrating the artistry of events, paying homage to the Traditional Owners of Narrm, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. At VCET, we are united in our commitment to diversity and equality, where every individual's unique story enriches the grand narrative, we create. Step into the limelight and be part of something truly spectacular. Apply now to make your mark behind the scenes

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