Published : Wed 24th Jan
Fay has been completing her apprenticeships via the upskilling route, while still continuing her role in the kitchen. Alongside her apprenticeship she has also completed her functional skills – something that she is really proud of and has shown great determination.
Why did you first choose to apply for an apprenticeship?
I have worked in catering for many years and all my skills and knowledge has been worked based. So when I came to the Trust and I found out I could do qualifications in our Food & beverage area it was something I really wanted to do. As I find working on the job better for me and that’s what the apprenticeship could offer me. I signed up for production chef level 2.
Best thing about the apprenticeship?
You get to keep doing your job you learn new skills and still get paid. And for me I didn’t have to go to college.
Any challenges?
I am dyslexic and I knew I was going to have my struggles with some of it, but over the year I have learnt how to deal with it and I don’t let it beat me.
How has the training provider supported you?
With the dyslexia, once I found out that I would have to do my maths and English functional skills level 2 as well as the course panic set in. But I was reassured by my tutor that I would get all the help I needed to get through it. As I started the course I was finding it hard doing the modules and maths & English all at once. So I had a chat with my tutor and she said she would see what we could be done.
A few weeks later I got another tutor to just concentrate on my maths and English which was such I massive help and it meant I didn’t have to do it all in one visit – this allowed me to take it all in. I was proud of myself when I passed both, as well as my production chef level 2.
What are your plans for the future?
I then went on to do my senior production chef level 3 which I am about to complete. I am just about to do my final assessments. And at the end of the year I may look to do my hospitality manager level 4.
Any advice for anyone thinking of doing an apprenticeship?
If you have ever been thinking of doing an apprenticeship. Definitely do it and don’t let anything hold you back. Because the support is there if you need it. I have had my tutor for both my apprenticeships she is lovely, friendly and will do as much as she can to help.
