Eighteen-year-old Laura Bell from Glasgow has become hospitality specialist BaxterStorey’s first qualified apprentice in Scotland, following the completion of her twelve month NVQ Modern Apprenticeship.
BaxterStorey Scotland joined the apprenticeship scheme in 2016 and created its programme in partnership with Goal Training, Scotland’s leading provider of workplace hospitality qualifications.
During her training Bell was based at Scottish Water in Stepps, where she worked under the mentorship of BaxterStorey Chef Manager Ken Moody. She had the opportunity to work alongside the sites Sous Chefs, developing her skills in the kitchen and learning how to work in a fast paced hospitality environment. She graduated from the scheme with additional qualifications including Level 2 Health and Safety, Level 2 Food Safety and Allergy Training.
Since completion of her apprenticeship Bell has been offered a full time role with BaxterStorey Scotland and is now located at Arnold Clark in Glasgow as a Commis Chef. She has also joined BaxterStorey Scotland’s prestigious Chef Academy, a unique and creative learning programme which provides developing chefs with an exclusive platform to diversify their skill set, learn from experts in the field and take part in a diverse range of training exercises.
Bell said, “I have learnt so much during my apprenticeship with BaxterStorey and have been part of a truly inspiring team of colleagues. My training has given me the skills and foundation I need to progress my career and hopefully one day run my own kitchen. I can’t wait to get started in my new role with the company as a Commis Chef and to be part of the Chef Academy.”
Ken Moodie, BaxterStorey Chef Manager, said, “It has been a pleasure to mentor Laura and see her really develop her chef skills and build her experience. Her passion for food and hard work has impressed everyone at BaxterStorey, so we are delighted to have given her the opportunity to stay with the business. We are sure there are many more great things to come from Laura in the future.”
Modern Apprenticeships are a government initiative that aim to tackle Scotland’s skills gap, helping employers to develop their workforce by training new staff and upskilling existing employees. For individuals an MA job allows them to earn a wage whilst gaining an industry-recognised qualification.