George has always enjoyed cooking at home and even though he never considered cooking for a career, he knew it was something which he liked doing and could benefit from.
After finishing school at 16 and deciding that the traditional education route of college and university wasn’t for him, as he found it difficult to study in a classroom setting, George embarked on a Professional Cookery apprenticeship with leading provider HIT Training. An apprenticeship was an ideal solution for George as he could learn a skill whilst gaining hands-on experience in a real life kitchen.
With the support of his employer, Calcot Manor in Gloucestershire, George completed an Intermediate Apprenticeship in Professional Cookery within a year, and with his sights set on becoming a Head Chef or to work at a Michelin star restaurant, George progressed onto the Advanced Apprenticeship in Professional Cookery. Now, having worked his way to a Commis Chef at the luxury manor, George completed his qualification in June 2016.
The Professional Cookery course is based around working in a kitchen, gaining valuable experience and learning from others in the workplace. As well as practical work, George also has to complete assessments, tasks and exams, all with help and guidance from his HIT Trainee Assessor, who regularly visits George to check up on his progress.
During his time at Calcot Manor George has gone above and beyond his role and, as a result of this commitment, he recently won the Calcot Manor Employee of the Year 2015 Award which was presented to him at an award ceremony in January 2016. George achieved this accolade for the outstanding work he has been doing with HIT Training to complete his apprenticeship and to develop his skills as a chef.
Speaking about his apprenticeship, George said: “Since starting my apprenticeship I have gained life-long career skills which have put me on the right path to create a promising future for myself. When I first started I just wanted to gain my qualification, but now I have discovered a career which I’m really passionate about and want to keep learning as much as I can to reach my goal of becoming a Head Chef.
“The team at Calcot Manor have been so supportive of my apprenticeship and have helped me get to where I am today. Working in a kitchen that is up-to-date with the current food trends and techniques is really exciting and has meant that I’ve become more creative with my cooking. I’ve also had the opportunity to work on all of the stations within the kitchen which has helped to greatly improve my skills and confidence, as you have to consistently produce quality food to a high level.
“I would recommend an apprenticeship to anyone looking to get into the Hospitality Industry. Being able to train whilst on the job has suited me so well, and I have had a lot of guidance from my Trainee Assessor, who is always on hand to answer my questions and make sure I am developing. Although I sometimes have to work long shifts, this is balanced by all the different opportunities to learn new techniques and flavour pairings; working as a chef you really do learn something new every day.”
