Brandie, 19, and Harrison, 18, have both completed their Level 2 Hospitality and Catering qualifications at London South East Colleges and have progressed onto Level 3 Apprenticeships during November. Both students applied and were interviewed for the roles, beating off other applicants from inside and outside of the College. They are now working towards their GNVQ qualifications, focussing on their chosen specialisms.
Brandie, from Sydenham, is training to become a chef and has ambitions to open her own restaurant business one day. She says: “This Apprenticeship is giving me a great opportunity to pick up lots of additional skills and techniques, as well as receiving valuable work experience. What’s even better, I have my first real job and I’m earning money. I get in earlier than the other students and have a greater role in the day-today running of the kitchens, leadership, maintaining stock levels and learning how to make profits. I’m just one month into the job and I’m loving it.”
Harrison, from Petts Wood, is learning the skills needed to be a successful front of house specialist. He would like to work in a bar or restaurant and is keen to become a mixologist. He says: “Before I came to the College I was very shy and didn’t have a great amount of confidence. That has all changed for me now. Working with customers, making their experience of our restaurant as enjoyable as possible is something I really enjoy. Recently, BR6 Restaurant has hit the number one spot on Trip Adviser for the Orpington area and continues to hold that position week after week. Reading the very positive reviews left by satisfied customers makes me feel like I’m doing a great job.”
BR6 Restaurant’s Front of House Manager, Marcel Dueren says: “Having Brandie and Harrison working alongside the BR6 team means we have achieved continuity with their education and training as well as taking advantage of their familiarity with the restaurant and kitchens. It’s something that works for us all and is highly beneficial to the business.”
Head Chef, Jason Main says: “It’s early days but already we are seeing the benefits of employing our two Apprentices. They fit in very well and are as keen as anybody to make the restaurant a big success. They were exceptional students and I’m confident they will apply the same measure of effort and enthusiasm and take this opportunity to shine. If they do, they will have put the icing on the cake regarding their employability and be very attractive to prospective employers. I see a great future for both.”
London South East Apprenticeship Company | Hospitality, Food and Enterprise Career College
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