News / Better Bristol
How To Be A Chef graduate lands first professional role
A former shop assistant who took part in Bristol24/7 and Square Food Foundation’s How To Be A Chef programme in 2018 has now started his first full-time job in food and drink as a commis chef in a Wiltshire pub. He joins two other graduates from the 2018 course who have also gone on to land professional roles directly as a result of this initiative.
Will Ward, 25, from Willsbridge, along with three other graduates, completed the 12-week How To Be A Chef programme – aimed at young people not in education, employment or training – gaining a Level 2 BTec qualification and a Level 2 Food & Hygiene Certificate.
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The course was created as part of Bristol24/7’s Better Bristol initiative. As well as learning cooking skills and techniques at the Square Food HQ in Knowle, Will and the other young people gained practical experience in professional kitchens across Bristol.
The cohort were also responsible for cooking and serving to more than 300 people at the Colston Hall at the launch event of Better Bristol.
The young chefs prepared food for more than 300 people at the launch of Better Bristol in November 2018
“Working with food and catering is a highly rewarding and empowering career path that I would recommend to anyone thinking about giving it a go,” Will said after completing the course.
Since then, Will has decided to follow a career in the hospitality industry, getting a part-time job with Fosters over Christmas and now landing a role in the kitchen at The Bull at Hinton near Chippenham.
“The course at Square Food helped me gain the skills and confidence to pursue a career in food and catering, which has enabled me to get a job.”
How To Be A Chef 2019 starts later this month and there are still places available. If you are interested in kicking off a career in food and drink, or know someone who might be, register your interest at www.squarefoodfoundation.co.uk/how-to-be-a-chef.
The Better Bristol initiative is a collaborative approach to creating positive impact in the city. Through projects like this one we can help create opportunities and improve people’s lives. Find out more about Better Bristol at www.bristol247.com/betterbristol and support projects like this one by becoming a supporter member of Bristol24/7.
The 2018 cohort of How To Be A Chef in the Square Food kitchen in Knowle
Main photo: Will Ward serving guests at the launch of Better Bristol in November 2018
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