Ben's career progression story: From Apprentice to Kitchen Manager
Ben's career progression story: From Apprentice to Kitchen Manager
Ben was hired back in 2015, first working in a front-of-house role before realising his true calling was in one of our busy kitchens. Through utilising four apprenticeships, Ben has been promoted five times in five years, from Team Member to Kitchen Manager – an outstanding achievement that we think deserves to be shouted about.
What drew you to work at M&B over any other pub or restaurant?
“What drew me to M&B was the fact they were willing to give me, a young lad with zero experience in the sector, a chance to learn and progress.”
A year after joining the team, Ben was offered the opportunity to take a Level 2 Food Production and Cooking Apprenticeship, which he grabbed with both hands. Wanting to push himself that bit further, in 2017, Ben progressed to Level 2 Team Leader, and this role gave him the confidence to support his team and the experience to spot the ways that Kitchen Managers can handle the heat in the kitchen.
Has there been anyone at the company that has stood out for the support they’ve given you throughout your apprenticeships?
“My first General Manager stands out for me because he encouraged me to join the apprentice scheme, and because he gave me the chance to work at M&B to begin with. I have my second General Manager, Kirsty Hartley, to thank for pushing me to be better, encouraging me to carry on learning, and instilling confidence in me. And lastly, my most recent General Manager, who believed in me enough to promote me to Kitchen Manager, and always showing me that I should never give up.”
It was this level of support from his managers that spurred Ben on to start our internal Chefs’ Academy Level 2 Commis Chef Apprenticeship in 2018. The scheme involves masterclasses where our team get to work with fresh food and grow their classical knowledge of cooking outside the workplace.
While it’s a common myth about kitchen careers that most chefs are classically trained, the kitchen assistants, chefs, head chefs and kitchen managers at M&B dedicate a lot of time towards honing their craft. Ben knew he wanted to keep refining his cooking skills and is now currently working towards completing his Level 3 Senior Production Chef Apprenticeship which has supported his recent promotion to Kitchen Manager at The Hollybrook.
If you could give some advice to someone thinking of doing an apprenticeship at M&B, what would it be?
“My advice would be to take that opportunity! It might be a challenge to balance your work with your learning at some points, but the trainers are patient, and the reward is worth it. You may not be in your job role forever, but you will always have your qualification to hold on to.”
If you’re thinking about an apprenticeship and you’re looking for advice, who’s better to take it from than Ben, who is on track to complete his fourth!
A few words from Ben's managers...
We spoke to Paul Egan, Ben’s current Area Manager, to find out what impact he’s had at the company. Paul said, “Ben is a superb individual with a calm manner and supportive attitude, who always embraced the apprenticeship programme. He was selected to cook for the Pubs Division Annual Pride Awards Dinner and has not taken a step backwards since. I’m so proud of how he has applied himself to achieve his goals. Ben truly leads by example – stunning!”
Another manager of Ben’s told us “Ben’s dedication to his learning, progression and The Hollybrook is inspirational. Ben was of tremendous support to me after both lockdowns. During the first, I had a bereavement so was away from the business. Ben went above and beyond to get the business Covid-secure and ready for re-opening. During the second re-opening, Ben was here every day for three weeks, helping get our outside areas and even painting the staff room so the team had a nice space to enjoy.”
The glowing reports from Ben’s managers are a testament to the hard work he’s put in ever since his first day with us. They highlight the change Ben has undergone throughout these apprenticeships, including a massive improvement in his communication, leadership, confidence and kitchen skills – all important transferrable skills you pick up working in hospitality.
Where could an apprenticeship with M&B take you?
As Ben puts it, you might change roles throughout your career, but completing an apprenticeship means you’ll always have that qualification to hold up proudly.
Check out our apprenticeships and learn more about the opportunities that will not only give you a certificate to hold up proudly, but you'll also develop key skills that will see you through life and make lifelong friendships. Whether you're looking for a chef apprenticeship like Ben, fancy exploring bar and waiting apprenticeships, or know that a management apprenticeship is your calling, we've got something for you.
Receive articles like this
Looking for more related content to feast on?
If you like what you're reading but you're hungry for more, we've got a little something for you.
Some articles you might like
Teaser
ManagementContent Type
BlogPublish date
11/28/2024
Summary
Temporary Christmas jobs are a great way to earn extra cash for the holidays while gaining valuable work experience. They offer the chance to build new skills and try out roles like bar, waiting
by
Rebecca Skeet
Teaser
KitchenContent Type
BlogPublish date
11/28/2024
Summary
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to lead a buzzing kitchen team, create memorable dining experiences, and make your mark in hospitality, you’re in the right place. To give you a better ide
by
Laura Kelly
Teaser
GeneralContent Type
BlogPublish date
11/22/2024
Summary
In today's busy world of pubs and bars, it's not just about the drinks. What really sets a place apart is how well they treat their guests. At M&B, we believe that every interaction is an opportu
by
Katie Handy
Teaser
ManagementContent Type
BlogPublish date
11/06/2024
Summary
At Mitchells & Butlers, we pride ourselves on the growth and development opportunities we provide to our employees. We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Christian, General Manager of th
by
Rebecca Houseago
Teaser
GeneralContent Type
BlogPublish date
11/01/2024
Summary
Christmas is coming, and we can hear Santa's bells fast approaching. That's right, it's almost time to dust off the Christmas jumper and get the decorations out of the box. If you're not excited j
by
Rachel Weaver
Teaser
GeneralContent Type
BlogPublish date
10/14/2024
Summary
A live-in job, you say? Right, well, before we go any further, let’s break down the basics: What is a live-in job? Simply put, it’s a job that includes live-in accommodation as part of the benefi
by
Rebecca Houseago
Teaser
Bar and WaitingContent Type
BlogPublish date
10/07/2024
Summary
So, the job search is on. Many people dread the process and see it as a race to the finish line where they’ll receive the prize of a job. While that should be your ultimate goal, there’s no sens
by
Sue Bayley
Teaser
CultureContent Type
BlogPublish date
10/02/2024
Summary
Mulled wine and pigs in blankets season is upon us, and we're ramping up for a busy time of year. Our hospitality teams work hard all year round, but in December they make experiences extra special
by
Amandeep Chahal
Teaser
ApprenticeshipContent Type
BlogPublish date
09/24/2024
Summary
What are Chef Apprenticeships? Chef apprenticeships at M&B are a fantastic opportunity if you’re passionate about food and eager to learn on the job! With our award-winning programme, you’ll di
by
Sophie Dawson
Teaser
KitchenContent Type
BlogPublish date
08/28/2024
Summary
At M&B, we're on a bold sustainability mission with an ambitious goal: reaching Net Zero by 2040. Our commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions is driving innovative changes across our oper
by
Katie Handy
Jobs you might like...
Salary
Competitive Salary
Location
Miller & Carter - Hereford, Hereford, HR4 9HR
Departments
Kitchen Assistant
Hours
Part Time
Vacancy Type
Other role
Brand
Miller & Carter
Location
Hereford
Description
No CV to hand? No problem! We've made our application process mobile friendly and removed the need for a CV. Our form takes 2 minutes to complete and tells us all we need about you! With your suppor
Reference
2351734
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Competitive Salary plus tips, plus live in accommodation
Location
Toby Carvery - Badgers Mount, Sevenoaks, TN14 7AD
Departments
Chef
Hours
Full Time
Vacancy Type
Other role
Brand
Toby Carvery
Location
Sevenoaks
Description
No CV to hand? No problem! We've made our application process mobile friendly and removed the need for a CV. Our form takes 2 minutes to complete and tells us all we need about you! As a Chef at Toby
Reference
2276890
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
£11.79 per hour
Location
King William IV, St Albans, AL1 4AH
Departments
Chef
Hours
Part Time
Vacancy Type
Other role
Brand
Ember Inns
Location
St Albans
Description
No CV to hand? No problem! We've made our application process mobile friendly and removed the need for a CV. Our form takes 2 minutes to complete and tells us all we need about you! As a part time Che
Reference
2351720
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Perks of the job...
Love dining out? You'll love it even more with a massive 33% discount across all our brands when you join us. Whether it's date night at Miller & Carter or family roast at Toby Carvery, we’ve got you covered. See what other tasty benefits we offer…
Fancy an
award winning apprenticeship
Ever thought about an apprenticeship? Fire up your career with one of our multi-award winning apprenticeship programmes which are designed to give you the skills to become a hospitality pro.