Billy Fox, 18, is completing his studies while working alongside Peter Washbourne at the Chifley Hotel Wollongong, and was chosen from a pool of the best hospitality, tourism and events TAFE students.

"I'm stoked, and very happy," said Mr Fox, who will jet off in June to the Osia Restaurant in Sentosa, Singapore.

"I'm most excited to pick up skills working with [specialty] foods...products I've never worked with before." "

It is not the first award for the aspiring talent, Mr Washbourne boasting of several previous achievements for the "fun kid" with a "great attitude".

"I used to be a TAFE teacher, and you can see the difference in the way he handles himself," he said.

"He does specials for the hotel, C Grill, and some of the [dishes] are pretty out there and different. He challenges himself on a regular basis and looks at what's new, and how he can improve things - that's what we like about Billy, that he's got a great creative flair about him."

Mr Fox's passion for food began at a young age helping his Nan whip up delicious sweets.

"I remember making lemon meringue pie with Nan and seeing something so simple as egg whites and sugar being whipped into something as amazing as meringue, so marshmallowy and soft - it kinda blew me away."