Management Team
Troy Lymburner, Team Manager
Troy Lymburner brings over two decades of experience and passion to his role as Team Manager of Junior Culinary Team Canada. Since beginning his teaching career at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) in 1999, Troy has been instrumental in coaching and developing award-winning culinary teams, cementing his reputation as a leader in the field of competitive culinary arts.
A proud graduate of the NAIT Culinary Arts program, Troy’s journey has been shaped by his dedication to excellence and a relentless pursuit of culinary mastery. Early in his career, he refined his skills in Europe, where exposure to diverse cuisines and kitchen cultures deepened his understanding of global culinary traditions. This international experience continues to inform his approach to coaching and competition preparation, blending classic techniques with innovative flair.
Throughout his career, Troy has been privileged to work under the mentorship of culinary icons Simon Smotkowicz, Clayton Folkers, and Vinod Varshney. These formative relationships have influenced his teaching philosophy and fueled his commitment to fostering the next generation of culinary talent. Returning to his hometown and NAIT as an instructor was a natural progression, allowing Troy to give back to the institution and community that played a pivotal role in his development.
As Team Manager, Troy views the opportunity to lead Junior Culinary Team Canada as both a tremendous honor and a significant responsibility. He is committed to instilling in his team the values of discipline, creativity, and resilience, which are essential for success on the international stage. Alongside a dedicated management team, Troy is focused on preparing the Junior National Team for upcoming high-stakes competitions, including the World Culinary Cup in Luxembourg in November 2026 and the IKA-Culinary Olympics in Stuttgart, Germany in February 2028.
Troy’s vision for Junior Culinary Team Canada extends beyond medals and accolades. He aims to create a transformative experience for team members, one that fosters professional growth and lifelong camaraderie. Under his leadership, the team will not only strive for excellence but also represent Canada with pride, showcasing the nation’s culinary ingenuity and dedication to craftsmanship.
With an unwavering commitment to his craft and a deep appreciation for the art of teaching, Troy Lymburner is poised to guide Junior Culinary Team Canada to new heights, building on his storied career and legacy of inspiring success in others.
Nigel Webber, Head Coach
Nigel Webber brings over 30 years of culinary experience and a deep commitment to mentorship in his role as Head Coach of Junior Culinary Team Canada. A long-time instructor at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), Nigel is known for his steady leadership, team-focused mindset, and dedication to developing young talent.
A graduate of NAIT’s Culinary Arts and Apprentice Cook Programs, Nigel holds Red Seal certification, the Certified Chef de Cuisine (CCC) designation, and is also a Certified Executive Chef (CEC) with the American Culinary Federation. His career has included leadership roles in some of Edmonton’s most respected kitchens, and international internships in San Francisco and Berlin, all of which have shaped his approach to both cooking and coaching.
As a former team member with Culinary Team Alberta and Culinary Team Canada, Nigel was fortunate to be part of several teams that earned multiple international medals, These experiences continue to guide his work with young chefs, emphasizing humility, discipline, and collaboration.
For many years, Nigel has coached NAIT’s culinary teams at global events—from Singapore to Germany to Luxembourg—helping students succeed in high-pressure environments while building confidence and professional skill. Now, as Head Coach of Junior Culinary Team Canada, he is focused on preparing the national team for the 2026 Culinary World Cup in Luxembourg and the 2028 IKA Culinary Olympics in Stuttgart.
Nigel sees this role not only as an opportunity to strive for excellence on the world stage, but as a way to support the growth of Canada’s next generation of chefs—encouraging them to work hard, stay grounded, and take pride in their craft.
Enrico Caparas, Pastry Coach
Enrico Caparas contributes over 20 years of culinary passion and professional experience. As an entrepreneur and educator, Enrico holds a BCom in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Culinary Arts and Technology Management. His journey in culinary competitions began as a student winning gold in regional Asian competitions. He then worked with international chefs in some of the world’s leading hotels and resorts in Asia and North America. This experience has honed Enrico’s knowledge with international cuisines and cultures. His experience with working in an international kitchen has proven valuable to managing any team environment. Always striving for perfection and a lifelong learner, Enrico believes competitive success is a result of discipline in improving your craft, focus on your objective, and maintaining high standards.
As a Baking and Pastry Arts Instructor at NAIT, Enrico has coached the NAIT Culinary Team for the IKA Culinary Olympics 2020 (bronze medal) and the IKA Culinary Olympics 2024 (silver medal). He considers his role as the pastry coach for the Junior Culinary Team Canada a privilege to share his knowledge and experience with the next generation of Canadian chefs.