“My Apprenticeship has helped me to see my potential and my ability to have a successful career.”
Sarah Abbott completed an Apprenticeship in Professional Cookery at Stratford Business Services, including a placement that eventually led to a permanent job at the Three Ways House Hotel in Mickleton, home of the world famous Pudding Club. Sarah, 20, turned her interest in food preparation into a successful career at this exclusive restaurant.
Sarah says: “My Apprenticeship has helped transform my passion for food into the skills I need to become a competent chef, as well as reinforcing my commitment to carving out a career in this industry. The hotel has given me the opportunity, time and support to complete my studies to a high standard, with guidance and advice.”
Initially unsure of what she wanted to pursue as a career, Sarah’s Apprenticeship set her on the right track and helped her determine what she wanted to do with her life.
Sarah says: “Before I began my Apprenticeship, I was not very confident, but the hotel gave me the security to express my opinion and ideas. I have achieved much more since being an apprentice. I now have the drive and the knowledge to work harder and set myself higher goals.”
Sarah has been regularly promoted and consistently performs in every section of the kitchen. Truly passionate about food, she regularly seeks out unusual ingredients at the supermarket and tests them at home before reporting back to the hotel kitchen.
Sarah says: “My Apprenticeship has made me a stronger and more determined person, contributing to my success as a chef.”
Peter Henderson, Proprietor for Three Ways House Hotel, knows what Sarah brings to the table: “Every car needs an engine and in our kitchen, much of the energy, drive, enthusiasm and buzz comes from Sarah. She also helps make the puddings for the Pudding Club meetings and no one – not even her idol, Jamie Oliver – makes a better bread and butter pudding than Sarah Abbott!”
A two-time finalist for the South West Chef of the Year competition, Sarah was invited by competition judge and prominent chef Michael Caines to cook in one of his kitchens, an opportunity which Sarah hopes to take-up in the near future.
Sarah was a finalist in the Apprentice of the Year category at the 2008 National Apprenticeship Awards.