Esther-rose's ServiceIQ journey began when she started her apprenticeship in February 2023. Based at Tupuānuku, a first-year catered hall at the University of Canterbury, she caters for around 650 students daily, preparing full salad bars, hot buffets, grab-and-go snacks and meals, and more. 

If that wasn't grounding enough for an exceptional career in the hospitality industry, completing her apprenticeship has only added to her abundant talents and ever-growing list of qualifications. 

"I was originally working front of house, but I had a real interest in the kitchen. The team were keen to introduce an apprenticeship system that I could do whilst still working here, and Averil Blaikie at Compass Group NZ, my manager, found ServiceIQ." says Esther-rose. 

ServiceIQ's New Zealand Cookery Apprenticeship is an elite cookery programme where trainee chefs become qualified experts by training on-the-job – developing their culinary skills and knowledge to the highest standard. It's the only qualification programme of its kind in the country and is easily delivered to staff through workplace learning and assessment. 

Under the mentorship of resident University Head Chef Philippe Meyer, Esther-rose completed her programme in July 2025, working through eight extensive modules and a combination of theory and practical assessments – covering everything from food safety standards to preparing and cooking complex, elaborate, and restaurant-quality dishes. 

For Esther-rose, it was the perfect way to progress her career. "I loved everything about the apprenticeship. I enjoyed that it was on-the-job, because while there are certain things you can learn from textbooks and in the classroom, there are so many skills that you can only learn in the workplace. 

"I was able to work at my own pace, which is a great fit for my work-life balance. Joseph Clarke, my ServiceIQ Assessor, was also great and made the whole process a lot easier. For example, I was very nervous going into some of the assessments, thinking people would stand over me in a high-pressure environment, but that wasn't the case at all!" 

As well as showing some slick moves around the kitchen, Esther-rose is also putting her best foot forward on the dance floor. Despite having taken up salsa dancing as recently as 2024, she has achieved top ten finishes at the South Island Latin Championships, New Zealand Nationals, and travelled to Australia for the World Salsa Solo. 

Esther-rose explains that because she enjoyed the ServiceIQ experience so much, she is keen to participate in more programmes in the future. "It's been fantastic, I'm someone who loves to learn new things – and new things from different people. I have a long way to go. I'm an open book, and I'm taking that approach on my journey." 

Esther-rose was also invited to share her programme experience at a ServiceIQ strategy day in Wellington in March 2025. “Most people don’t like public speaking, so it was pretty scary – but very cool! It was great to meet the people behind the scenes and give feedback to them from someone who was currently in an apprenticeship.”

Averil is Catering Manager at Compass Group NZ (which, through its brands, provides specialist food services globally, including to the University of Canterbury) and has been impressed with Esther-rose’s positive attitude and appetite for growth. “I’m incredibly proud of Esther-rose’s journey. She started with us as a foundation member of the front-of-house team, but it was clear early on she had a real curiosity for the kitchen. We gave her opportunities to help with kitchen tasks, and she grabbed every chance to learn.”

Averil believes the ServiceIQ programme is an excellent platform for ambitious young people, as it enables them to study towards formal industry- and nationally recognised qualifications as they continue to gain experience in the workplace. 

“From day one, Esther-rose has been motivated, organised, and proactive – both in her studies and in her work. She has an instinct for pairing flavours and carries out her work with passion. The ServiceIQ New Zealand Cookery Apprenticeship has provided an excellent platform for Esther-rose to study towards her qualifications while remain fully engaged in her role. 

“What’s even more impressive is how she’s balanced her training with other interests, like dancing, without ever letting her standards slip. Watching her grow from front-of-house to a fully qualified chef has been incredibly rewarding.” 

Thanks to talented young people such as Esther-rose, the nation's hospitality industry is in skilled hands. Interested in finding out more? ServiceIQ helps grow your teams’ skills and careers and engage and retain top talent in the hospitality industry. Talk to our customer experience team today. 

Make today the day you grow your people and grow your business with affordable on-the-job hospitality training for your employees. ServiceIQ is the workplace training specialist for the hospitality, retail, tourism, aviation, travel, and museum sectors New Zealand wide.