by Trainee chef shows apprenticeships are recipe for success
A TRAINEE chef is proving that apprenticeships are a recipe for success.
Brogan Carmichael, 19, is an apprentice at The Castle pub, in the city.
She is following a long-held ambition to be a cook and her boss is delighted with her progress.
“This is the first time I’ve worked with an apprentice,” said Head Chef Tom Smeed. “It’s been fantastic. I’ve got someone who gets on with the job with no prompting from me and she’s helping me work much faster.”
Brogan, of Long Eaton, said: “It’s hard work but I’m learning a lot from Tom and he gives me lots of chances to be creative.
“It’s a good career because people will always want to eat out and there will always be a need for chefs in restaurants, pubs doing steak and chips – there are lots of choices.”
Brogan has previously worked part-time as a waitress and was keen to work in the food and drink sector.
She is studying for an NVQ Level 2 in professional cookery at New College Nottingham while working with Tom at The Castle, in Castle Road.
Tom knows all about the benefits of apprenticeships, as he started his cookery career with an advanced apprenticeship. He feels success depends on the right blend of qualities from apprentice and manager.
“I need someone very self-motivated and excited about food and I need to make sure the apprentice doesn’t get bored,” he said.
“It’s going brilliantly. Brogan works really hard on garnishes while I do the grill, which makes my life easier and, when the pressure is off, I can give her space to experiment.
“Brogan has a bright future – she’s passionate about desserts and cakes and I can see her as a pastry chef. I’m hoping that won’t be for a while, though, because we’re keen to keep her here with us.”
The Post is encouraging other firms in Notts to follow The Castle’s lead by taking on an apprentice as part of its Get Notts Working campaign.
We want to create 200 apprentice opportunities by the end of June in the first part of the campaign, creating more opportunities for young people like Brogan.
The campaign aims to support local people in their efforts to find a job. It is a partnership between the Post, Notts and Derbyshire Chamber of Commerce, the National Apprenticeship Service, Nottinghamshire City and County Employment and Skills Board, local councils as well as major local companies like, Laing O’Rourke.
Later this year, we will promote work experience and urge firms to take on unemployed people for a short period.
If you’re taking on an apprentice, call Marcus Boocock on 0115 9482000 ext 2544.
Paul ChampionStrategic Project Manager
Mobile: 07540 704920
Sent from my iPad
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