He is currently working at the Castle Golf Club restaurant at Galgorm and now that he has completed his apprenticeship, he is a full-time member of staff. He has also been offered an opportunity to complete in-house Level-3 qualification at the hotel.
Louis started his catering career in a local café when he was just 16 years old. A couple of years later he was working in the bustling kitchens of one of Belfast’s most exclusive hotels: the Malmaison. How did he snag that coveted job? By simply asking for it.
“I just walked in off the street and said, ‘Can I have a job?’”, Louis laughs. “I got lucky because it just so happened a staff member had left that day.”
The experience confirmed for Louis that he wanted a career as a professional chef. So, when he learned about the apprenticeship offered by the Galgorm and Northern Regional College, he could not pass up the opportunity.
Louis decided to leave school after doing his AS-Levels and pursue his career as a chef.
“Looking back, it was definitely the right decision for me. I couldn’t have learned everything I have by just being in a classroom. I have been able to work my way up from prep chef to performing restaurant service,” he says.
Louis has been able to gain experience in three different kitchens at the Galgorm and has praised the “supportive head chefs” in each of them.
Theory-based learning at the College’s Ballymena campus was also part of his apprenticeship and, although he was initially sceptical about how useful this would be, Louis admits: “I wouldn’t change a thing about the course, or my experience.”
The apprenticeship has also given Louis the chance to take on increased responsibility. He was one of the two apprentices selected to make the canapés for the apprentice graduation ceremony.
Ultimately, he has described the decision to do the apprenticeship as a “no-brainer”.
Louis continues: “It’s the best way to get into the industry and gain practical experience. I would definitely do it again if I had the chance.”
For those wanting to take Louis’ advice, now is the perfect time. Richard McGowan, Project Manager at the School of Excellence and Staff Wellness at Galgorm says: “We are currently looking for the next generation of culinary staff at the Galgorm, and applications are now open for next year’s intake of professional cookery apprentices.”