Melbourne, Australia | 30 June 2026
The Victorian International Institute of Technical Education (VIITE) is proud to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Australian Institute of Technical Chefs (AITC), marking the beginning of a strategic partnership that will strengthen culinary education, professional development, and industry engagement across Australia.
The official signing ceremony took place on 30 June 2026 at 11:00 AM at the VIITE Melbourne Campus, bringing together education and industry leaders committed to preparing the next generation of hospitality professionals. Also in attendance were Arlan Fredrick Van Rooyen, Vice President of the Australian Institute of Technical Chefs, AITC Secretary Robert Ford and Mrs Sarah Maric, whose presence highlighted the Institute’s ongoing commitment to strengthening industry and education partnerships.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Jeffrey Gear, President of the Australian Institute of Technical Chefs, and Dr. Daman Shrivastav, Chief Executive Officer of VIITE.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to raising professional standards within Australia’s hospitality and commercial cookery sectors by connecting vocational education with current industry expectations and emerging workforce needs.
Through this collaboration, VIITE and AITC will explore opportunities to:
- Strengthen industry engagement for hospitality and commercial cookery students.
- Enhance professional development opportunities through industry collaboration.
- Support knowledge sharing between educators and experienced culinary professionals.
- Promote excellence, innovation, and lifelong learning within the hospitality industry.
- Create initiatives that better prepare graduates for successful careers in commercial kitchens and hospitality leadership.
Speaking at the signing, Dr. Daman Shrivastav, CEO of VIITE, said:
“At VIITE, we believe meaningful industry partnerships create meaningful career outcomes. Our collaboration with the Australian Institute of Technical Chefs reflects our commitment to delivering education that is practical, industry-connected, and aligned with the evolving needs of Australia’s hospitality sector. Together, we look forward to creating more opportunities for our students to develop the skills, professionalism, and confidence required to thrive in their careers.”
Jeffrey Gear, President of the Australian Institute of Technical Chefs, added:
“The future of our profession depends on strong partnerships between industry and education. By working alongside VIITE, we aim to support aspiring chefs through professional standards, mentorship, and real industry engagement that prepares them for successful and sustainable careers.”
This partnership represents another significant milestone in VIITE’s mission to provide industry-led vocational education while building strong relationships with leading organisations that help students transition confidently from the classroom into the workforce.
As Australia’s hospitality industry continues to evolve, both organisations are committed to developing initiatives that support innovation, professional excellence, and the long-term success of the culinary profession.
About VIITE
Victorian International Institute of Technical Education (VIITE) is a career-focused Registered Training Organisation dedicated to delivering high-quality vocational education that equips domestic and international students with practical skills, industry experience, and employment pathways across high-demand industries.
About the Australian Institute of Technical Chefs
The Australian Institute of Technical Chefs (AITC) is a national professional organisation committed to promoting excellence, professional standards, advocacy, mentorship, and continuous professional development for chefs across Australia. AITC works closely with industry to strengthen the commercial cookery profession and support the next generation of culinary leaders.
