News / how to be a chef
‘I felt I could experiment and I knew I could fail with no judgement’
A graduate from the How To Be A Chef course has secured a meaningful career in the hospitality industry after years of uncertainty.
Tavoy Hunt, 20, grew up in care and lacked guidance and support to navigate pathways into work. Determined and resilient, she explored forensics and beauty therapy before pursuing higher education in psychology and sociology.
In 2018, she welcomed a son, a source of immense joy in her life, but shortly after, the pandemic added another layer of complexity to her options for a career.
is needed now More than ever
With the help of a social worker, Tavoy recognised her innate connection to cooking, rooted in her Jamaican and Indian heritage. In 2023, she discovered the Square Food Foundation‘s How to be a Chef Course, run in partnership with Bristol24/7.
The How To Be A Chef course was set up by Square Food Foundation in partnership with Bristol24/7 in 2018 to help 16-25 year olds who are not otherwise in work or education to gain the skills and confidence they need to find jobs or seek further education in the food industry.
Tavoy immersed herself in the course: “I felt I could experiment and express myself and I knew I could fail at recipes with no judgement, it’s how you learn.”
Tavoy noted the team’s kind and humble approach and the covering of a breadth of subjects from food sustainability to technical skills.
Following the course, Tavoy found a work experience opportunity at Bocabar. Under the mentorship of head chef Matt, she has flourished, embracing responsibility and showcasing her talent.
She has since been offered a permanent position in the Bocabar kitchen, where she enjoys a fulfilling work-life balance. As she envisions her future in the food industry, Tavoy radiates positivity and determination, eager to explore new opportunities and expand her culinary repertoire.
Tavoy’s journey serves as a testament to resilience, perseverance, and the transformative power of pursuing one’s passion. The team at Square Food Foundation and at Bristol24/7 look forward to witnessing her continued growth and success in the vibrant Bristol food scene. As she aptly advises, “have fun, food is exciting, get excited!”
To empower more young individuals like Tavoy and amplify the positive impact of Square Food
Foundation’s initiatives in Bristol, please consider making a monthly or one off donation.
All photos: Square Food Foundation
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