The 18-year-old New Zealand certificate in cookery student at Ara Timaru was nominated by her tutors to take part in the live cooking event held in Christchurch last week. She took part alongside classmate Katherine Bell, of Geraldine, who also achieved gold status.
Ms Wickham spent several weeks doing extra training — working on her technical skills against the clock to be ready to compete against more than twenty others in the 2026 Trainee Chef of the Year, sponsored by Akaroa Salmon.
"Our tutor, Wally, has been really supportive in getting our knife skills on point — but even so, going into it I was still slightly nervous having my timing down pat and getting my potatoes perfectly cubed," she said.
"I just needed to stay calm, keep my mind busy and put my knife skills to the fore."
The level four student had 45 minutes to display six key skills under the watch of industry-based judges — many of them top chefs with decades of experience both in the kitchen and in competitions.
Under the watchful eye of the judges she finely chopped, peeled, zested and cubed her way into top contention in the competition.
She went on to use those ingredients to prepare two plated main courses of pan-seared Akaroa salmon glazed with Barkers Red Pepper and chilli jelly, served with parmentier potatoes, sauteed spinach, beurre noisette with capers, raisins, pinenuts and salmon roe.
The dish was presented in her own style and was marked by Worldchefs guidelines, scoring above 90 to be one of six gold medallists in the competition.
Event organiser Ara tutor Mark Sycamore said the Trainee Chef of the Year was a precursor to the Waitaha Young Pastry Chef and Young Chef of the Year.
The event attracted strong interest and was held over three heats, he said.
"All competitors needed to follow a standardised recipe to produce their dishes and were marked on kitchen skills, hygiene and cleanliness as well as the taste of the dish and their presentation skills."
"It’s been a great learning experience and work was very excited for me to take part," she said.
It’s been a great opportunity to see what’s out there and to meet other students, more tutors and people connected with the industry."
"But this is just the start — I’m determined to keep studying and I’m looking to complete a level 5 qualification through Ara in Christchurch next year," Ms Wickham said.
Proud tutor Wally Katene said she had what it takes.
"I’m delighted for Phoebe, who has put in a lot of hard work above her study and part-time work.
"She’s had to find time to practice and can now have a lot of confidence and belief in her ability," he said. — Allied Media
