Buckingham Palace offers apprentice a job

Three young Shropshire apprentices on scheme with County Training have recently been lucky enough to visit the Royal Kitchens at Buckingham Palace, on a trip organised by Ludlow Skillbuilders.

Whilst there, Will Mason, 19, from Madeley took the bull by the horns, handed in his resume to Buckingham Palace, was invited back for an interview and offered a job! On this occasion Will declined due to the nature of the job, but has gone on to complete two days' work experience at the 2 Michelin Star Midsummer House Restaurant in Cambridge.

The three budding young chefs - Will, plus Rory Bunting, 20; Alex Pettitt, 20 - have two things in common.

Firstly they have all completed Catering and Hospitality Apprenticeship programmes with Shropshire County Council’s County Training. Secondly, they have all been victorious at the Ludlow Food and Drink Festival's Young Chef Competition at some point during the last three years.

Alex and Rory are both employed at the Riverside Inn, Aymestrey, and took first and second place at the Young Chef Competition in 2006. Will, who works at The Raven, Much Wenlock, came second in last year’s competition. The competition is staged each year through Ludlow Skillbuilders.

Talking about his achievements Will said: “Completing my Level 2 NVQ in Professional Cookery with County Training has now given me the drive to aim higher than ever before. Ultimately I want to own my own Michelin Star restaurant. I now feel as though there are so many opportunities out there for me.”

Will is a fantastic example of how County Training develops young people through its apprenticeship programme into confident and ambitious individuals who are dedicated to their field of work.

Councillor Barbara Craig, Cabinet member for Community Services said: “Will’s success is proof of the benefits work-based training can bring to a persons skills and abilities. It is becoming increasingly important that we possess the correct skills to carry out our jobs effectively and progress in the world of work, and what better way is there for young people to achieve this than through doing an apprenticeship.”

Skillbuilders is a voluntary run project which works with schools, colleges and small businesses in the Ludlow area to showcase the skills and talents of young people. This year they have provided the winners and runners-up in the Young Chef competition from the past three years with the chance to visit the royal kitchens of Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and the brand new Mayfair Hibiscus Restaurant.

If you would like to find out more about apprenticeships please contact Ann Jones on 01743 255112 or email ann.jones@shropshire.gov.uk. Alternatively if you would like more information on catering and hospitality programmes please contact Phil Bell on 01743 255147 or email phil.bell@shropshire.gov.uk.

9 April 2008