Name: Simon Mercer
Skill: Cookery
From: Wellington, New Zealand

Simon Mercer gained a Gold Medal in the Cookery skill category at the SkillEX 2006 National Finals Competition held in September 2006.

Simon meets the criteria and high performance standards required for WorldSkills and has been invited to be part of the NZ Team competing at the 2007 WorldSkills Competition to be held in Shizuoka, Japan in November this year.

Simon completed his training in 2004 at Aoraki Polytechnic in Timaru where he gained City & Guilds Diplomas in Pastry, Food Preperation and Cookery.

He currently works at the Intercontinental Hotel in Wellington and thoroughly enjoys the daily challenge and the variety involved in working with food in a busy kitchen.

He would encourage anyone to enter the SkillEX Competitions and have fun. Simon was surprised at the high standard of skill at the SkillEX National Competition and sees his competing at the WorldSkills finals as an awesome chance to match his skills against others his age at such a high level of competition.

He is also looking forward to the chance to network amongst his peers and has gained huge confidence in his abilities.

Simon already has experience of competing as he has made the finals of the Chaîne de Rôtisseur Commis Chef Competitions for the last 2 years running. He intends to make his mark on the New Zealand Culinary industry and sees being part of the WorldSkills team as a significant step forward in his career.

You can help Simon get to WorldSkills in Japan

By contributing toward his total costs ($6,825), you are confirming your commitment to the development of the Cookery industry in New Zealand.

You will also give Simon the opportunity to wear the Silver Fern, represent New Zealand and gain valuable life experience through testing his skills against top young Cookery competitors from around the world.

If you're interested in helping Simon on his way then please e-mail chantel.phippen@cityandguilds.com