Masterclass in culinary skills for Modern Apprentices

Valuable lessons were learned at a recent masterclass for professional cookery apprentices at City of Glasgow College.

The 15 Modern Apprentices are part of Apprenticeship in Hospitality Scotland (AHS) which, in partnership with hotels across Scotland, offers apprenticeships in hospitality and professional cookery.  

The college is running the apprenticeship programme as part of efforts to help reignite the hospitality and catering industries and increase awareness of the rewarding careers available in this sector.  

May Donald, Associate Dean for Culinary Arts at City of Glasgow College, said:

“The pandemic has challenged our sector, but it is a resilient one and will always be needed, and an apprenticeship programme like this is crucial in helping secure that vital new generation of talent. Our chef lecturers have all worked in the industry so have fantastic experience and expertise to pass on, as well as contacts which will help open doors for our students. We are delighted to be partnering with AHS and look forward to seeing the apprentices develop and progress.”

Rohaise Rose-Bristow, Chair of AHS and owner of The Torridon, said:

“Apprenticeship in Hospitality Scotland is delighted to be working in partnership with City of Glasgow College for the development of the Professional Cookery Apprentices. It’s a great opportunity to build on their foundational skills as Chefs.”

Mary Strachan, SVQ Co-ordinator for Business at City of Glasgow College, added:

“We have worked closely with AHS to support this two-year apprenticeship scheme at the end of which the students will gain an SCQF level 5 qualification in professional cookery. As this is work based learning, the apprentices will be regularly assessed throughout their training in the workplace by assessor, Lauren MacPhail.  at the college. The masterclass covers some of the basic techniques, such as knife skills, soups, stocks and sauces, which the students will be assessed on.”

The apprentices also gain vital hands-on industry experience working at AHS’ partner hotels which include, to name a few, Cameron House, Compass Scotland, Crerar Hotels and the Old Course St Andrews.

The masterclass, which was taken by chef lecturers, Artur Kurlowicz and Russell Starkey, is one of several the students will undertake over the course of their apprenticeship. As a qualification enhancement, each will focus on different techniques and practices, giving the apprentices additional opportunities to gain valuable insight into specific skill sets.

The 15 apprentices started their college course in January and had a few weeks in which get to know their employer, chef lecturer and mentor, before beginning their SVQ.

City of Glasgow College currently delivers 800 Modern and Technical Apprenticeships across 26 different frameworks and this continues to expand year on year.

Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2022 runs from 7 to 11 March. For details on the apprenticeships the college offers please visit the college website.