Cookery Apprenticeship in Cornwall

Wesley Ashwell, 19 years old, is currently training for a Level 2 Professional Cookery Apprenticeship at the Michelin listed Globe Restaurant with Rooms in Fowey. Having initially started as a kitchen porter, Wesley asked if could be trained in the kitchen on an apprenticeship. After six months the Second Chef position became available and Wesley was supported through intense training to develop the skills to fill the role.

When the establishment opened in April 2015, Wesley was a shy, quiet individual. Since starting his apprenticeship he has grown in confidence and works calmly under pressure, has immense attention to detail and a natural ability to match flavour and ingredients. It was because of these traits that helped him gain the award for Apprentice of the Year (19+ year old) at The Excellence in Business Training Awards 2017, hosted by CCB.

Tony Goodman, Owner of The Globe Restaurant, commented; “Since starting his apprenticeship it has been a pleasure to watch his confidence grow and his personality shine through.  He has never become conceited or over confident despite the praise which has been rightly heaped on him by myself but has a confidence in his own abilities that enables him to approach any situation without fear.”

Working under Glynn Wellington, Head Chef at The Globe, Wesley has perfected shellfish dishes and is now trained to cook the main dishes for the restaurant, Tony explained; “this meant that Wes was able to fly through his remaining criteria in his apprenticeship and in 30 years we have never seen anyone learn so quickly and become so competent in such a short space of time.”

Having excelled in all areas of the kitchen Wesley has also been given the responsibility to help train another younger apprentice at The Globe, as well as carrying out his duties to a high standard. The pressure is never too much for the young chef and during one of the restaurants busiest day he proved that he could take on the challenge and impressed his employers. 

Tony said; “On Carnival Day in Fowey he had sole charge of the kitchen…on that day we had more covers and took more money than any day in the history of the business.”

Wesley is a valued, respected and vital member of the kitchen team and the entire business, he has learnt his trade so quickly that the Owner can now concentrate on increasing the businesses portfolio and trade rather than covering in the kitchen.

We have over 100 apprenticeships available.

Business and Administration Apprenticeship

Steph Ould, from St Austell, has recently completed a Business and Administration Apprenticeship Level 2 working as a Talent and Development Apprentice within the Talent Strategy Team at Cornwall Council. Steph was shortlisted for The Excellence in Business training Awards 2017, hosted by CCB, as Apprentice of the Year (19+ years old), she came runner up in an impressive category.

Steph is a 22 year old, mother of two who studied locally at Poltair School and Cornwall College St Austell before having children and deciding that university wasn’t for her due to family commitments. Studying for an apprenticeship was the way that Steph decided she could still get a recognised qualification and spend time with her family.

Currently Steph is studying for her Level 3 Business and Administration Apprenticeship, having completed her Level 2 which she started in 2015. Woking at Cornwall Council was the first job that Steph has had and she quickly established herself as a key member of the team.  

Today Steph supports the team to deliver the Council’s apprentice programmes, sending emails to managers and apprentices, maintaining databases. As an apprentice she adds another dimension to the role, being able to answer questions from other apprentices and signposting them to the right support. Steph also acts as an advocate for apprenticeships, attending open days and sharing experience. 

Steph explains; “Working for the Council is great, I like it here, my team and my job. I feel proud every day when putting on my Cornwall Council lanyard!”

Steph juggles family life, being a Brownie Leader and an active member of the Muscular Dystrophy Charity alongside work. Steph is enthusiastic; her passion and dedication always shines through, this is evident from the extra training courses she has completed at college whilst studying for her apprenticeship. 

“I have gained a level 2 functional skill in ICT and through the Councils Learning & Development Team; I have learned to use Microsoft Excel, Word & Outlook to a higher level.”

Already planning her next steps, Steph hopes to progress onto a Level 3 Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development qualification. 

Elizabeth Symons, Steph’s Line Manager, commented; “Steph is very much focussed on making a future for herself. At the beginning of the course, she drew herself a project plan, scheduling all the dates and the modules and giving herself a target for completion.”

Despite the pressures of life outside of work, Steph’s commitment is evident, she has grown and developed over the last 9 months and has acquired a number of transferable skills within one of Cornwall’s largest employers.

We have over 100 apprenticeships available.

Truro Tractors Outstanding Commitment to Apprenticeships

Truro Tractors is a family firm, established for over 30 years providing machinery for agriculture, horticulture and the construction industry employing 34 members of staff. They offer servicing and repairs, and provide full training on all machinery, to a local customer base, which spans both Devon and Cornwall.

What were the businesses issues/challenges to undertake training?

There is currently a short supply of available, well qualified Agricultural Engineers within the business. As a company they viewed the situation as one that would potentially cause them problems in the future. They felt that the only option open to them, was to train their own. They saw this as a valuable investment in the long term, to secure a well -qualified work force. Both directors started their careers through an Apprenticeship with Duchy College Rosewarne, and found it to be both a valuable and enjoyable experience. It was also the first place they considered, as a training provider for their own apprentices.

The training undertook:

Truro Tractors currently have two apprentices undertaking Land based Engineering Operations City and Guilds, Level 2 and Level 3. Both apprentices attend Duchy College Rosewarne one day a week and are supported by Truro Tractors through mentoring, additional training and workshops plus slowly handing over levels of responsibility and offer regular pay increase in line with their progression. Truro Tractors are committed to the Apprenticeship ethos, developing and investing in highly motivated individuals who are looking to make a career within the world of agriculture engineering.

What impacts and benefits has the training had on the company?

Their apprentices have helped drive the company forward, and assist in the substantial growth of what was once a ‘small’ family run business. Their customers like to see their apprentices within the business, and they often take a personal interest in their progress. As customers they value the stability of staff, and this in turn helps them build trust in the company. Two of their most experienced engineers began with the company as apprentices; one has been with them for 20 years and another for 15. This is a true testament to their dedication to apprenticeships which led them to win the Outstanding Commitment to Apprenticeships Small Company category at the recent Excellence in Business Training Awards 2017, hosted by CCB.

“The impact that our apprentices have had on our business, is in the way in which they have been able to drive the company forward, and assist in the substantial growth of what was once a ‘small’ family run business”.

Jonathan Stephens, Director of Truro Tractors

We have over 100 apprenticeships available.