From chef knives to police badges, Mason Filipo proves no matter your aspirations, the skills you learn in the kitchen will take you far.
As a second-year Apprentice Chef with HTN, hosted at Club Charlestown, Mason has discovered a passion for cooking that has taken him on a path of self-discovery and growth. Initially considering a career as a plumber, Mason found his calling when he joined HTN’s (part of the IntoWork Group) chef apprenticeship program. “I saw the opportunity come up and I thought I really enjoy cooking and it would be right up my alley,” Mason said.
“Whenever I have cooked, I’ve loved it, but I didn’t get too many chances to cook, but now that I work as a cook, I love it so much. My love for cooking has always been there. I just never really did anything about it until now,” he said.
As Mason navigated his apprenticeship, he faced hurdles, particularly with theory and computer assessments. However, with the guidance of his HTN Consultant Cherylee Maybury, he was able to overcome these challenges. The support he received was instrumental in his progress, and Mason’s gratitude for HTN’s mentorship was palpable, “They’re always coming around, asking me how it’s going and giving me goals. Knowing they are always there with support is nice,” he said.
His favourite thing about his apprenticeship is learning how to cook properly, “I’d say learning how to put things together has been my favourite part. I’ve made so many dishes at home now that I wouldn’t have even thought of,” he said.
Mason’s commitment to his craft was evident in his work at Club Charlestown. Head Chef Greg Hawke praised Mason’s reliability, communication skills, quality of work, flexibility, and willingness to learn. But what struck a chord was Mason’s dedication to being a great team player in the kitchen. He understood that cooking wasn’t just about following a recipe but about working together as a team.
His hard work and dedication didn’t go unnoticed, as he was recently recognised as HTN’s August Apprentice of the Month, praised for his exceptional performance and the high regard in which he’s held by his peers and mentors, “A lot of skills that I’ve learned after working three jobs – the biggest skill has been able to work as a team,” he said.
This sense of teamwork wasn’t limited to his current role; Mason believed it was a skill that would serve him well in his future career as a police officer. After completing his Commercial Cookery Apprenticeship and working in hospitality for a couple of years, Mason plans to pursue a new path, one that may seem unrelated to cooking at first glance, but is, in fact, deeply connected.
The skills Mason developed in the kitchen – teamwork, communication, and problem-solving – are highly transferable, and he is eager to apply them in a new context – policing. He is excited about the opportunity to make a difference in his community in a new way.
“I can always do everything, but by myself, I wouldn’t be able to get anything done. It’s so important to learn as a team and work as a team and a workspace, and I reckon that will really, really help in policing.”
Apprentice and Employment Coordinator Cherylee Maybury involved with Mason’s development, said, “Mason has made remarkable progress, demonstrating a strong ability to apply the skills he’s learned in the kitchen to broader life skills. We’re proud of his achievements and the positive attitude he brings to his work.”
Mason’s positive experience with HTN has made him an advocate for the program. As he looks to the future, he is filled with a sense of excitement and anticipation.