James was studying for A-Levels in Nutrition and Food Science, Life and Health Sciences and Applied ICT at Cambridge House Grammar School when he was given an opportunity to do work experience in Antrim’s Ramble Inn.
For James – who had always dreamed of being a chef – his time in the kitchen made him realise that he could turn his passion into a career. When he found out about the Professional Cookery apprenticeship opportunity, he jumped at the chance, calling the decision a “no-brainer.”
“An apprenticeship offered an immediate route into the career I love so why put that off for another year?” explains James on why he chose the apprenticeship over going to catering college after A-Levels.
Richard McGowan, Project Manager at the School of Excellence and Staff Wellbeing at Galgorm, says: “An apprenticeship offers great career progression opportunities, and we are thrilled that all ten of our apprentices this year have progressed to full-time permanent posts here.”
James has been able to gain incomparable, hands-on experience during his apprenticeship, learning from the experts in a top-quality kitchen, which he believes has been extremely valuable.
“You can read in a text-book that a professional kitchen is a high-pressure environment, but unless you’ve actually been there during peak times, you can’t truly understand it,” he says.
James has also relished the opportunity to earn whilst studying and is glad to have completed his apprenticeship with no student loans to worry about.
Professional Cookery apprentices spend four days a week working in the Galgorm kitchens and the practical experience is backed up by theory-based learning at Northern Regional College’s Ballymena campus.
James continued: “It’s great to be able to put into practice what we are taught in the classroom. The balance between theory and hands-on, practical experience has been great and really manageable.”
Looking back over his experience as an apprentice, James says he would “most definitely” recommend the scheme to anyone thinking of a career as a chef.
“If you want to go into the hospitality sector, I honestly think it’s the smartest career move you can make.”
And his advice to them?
“Just go for it! You have nothing to lose and so much to gain.”