![](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481111/3ff9ce79-cbcd-4f6f-96a7-52782fb6a3aa/2023.17000.2568/img/K71ZheZxP0g9XAjZ0WKF_Q/M%26B+-+Ben+Deegan.jpg?v=a69d38dc390946605c1e691898c2cdcd)
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
![Scenery of Paris, a capital city of France and is renowned for its rich history, art, fashion, and culture, known for its charming neighborhoods, delicious](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481111/3ff9ce79-cbcd-4f6f-96a7-52782fb6a3aa/2023.17000.2568/img/p1UzovTuvEu2TQjcn_1j1w/75/shutterstock_2413454881+(1)+(1).jpg)
Teaser
GeneralContent Type
BlogPublish date
07/16/2024
Summary
Ever thought about how much an Olympic athlete has in common with your favourite bartender or chef? It might sound a bit crazy, but stick with me—there are some wild and fun similarities between
by
Rebecca Houseago
![team leader smiling at customers in pub](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481111/3ff9ce79-cbcd-4f6f-96a7-52782fb6a3aa/2023.17000.2568/img/W9z6eYbYhUW2AAjcn_1j1w/75/Premium+Country+Pubs+-+Front+of+House+(1).jpg)
Teaser
KitchenContent Type
BlogPublish date
07/11/2024
Summary
What is a Team Leader job? Are you a natural-born leader with a passion for food? Then we’ve got a place for you as one of our Kitchen Team Leaders at Mitchells and Butlers. As a Team Leader in
by
Rebecca Houseago
![bar staff smiling holding a tray with drinks in summer beer garden](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481111/3ff9ce79-cbcd-4f6f-96a7-52782fb6a3aa/2023.17000.2568/img/oZXKtzrlpES13gjcn_1j1w/75/Toby+Carvery+-+Front+of+House+(1).jpg)
Teaser
GeneralContent Type
BlogPublish date
07/04/2024
Summary
Whether you’re a school leaver, a student, or a parent looking to put some extra cash in the bank, a summer pub job can be the perfect solution. But how do you find that ideal summer job that’s fun, a
by
Rebecca Skeet
![keith pictured in a pub holding an award and a bottle of alcohol](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481111/3ff9ce79-cbcd-4f6f-96a7-52782fb6a3aa/2023.17000.2568/img/K39Y_IG2tUMyMgjZiYUoDg/75/Keith+Meadows.jpg)
Teaser
CultureContent Type
BlogPublish date
06/18/2024
Summary
To celebrate National Coming Out Day this year, we spoke to several people at M&B to hear about their experience, including Keith Meadows who works at The Hesketh Arms Pub & Restaurant. Keith is o
by
Rachel Weaver
![chef with chef hat mixing up salad in a bowl in a kitchen](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481111/3ff9ce79-cbcd-4f6f-96a7-52782fb6a3aa/2023.17000.2568/img/hWSTjl_EM0MW3gjcg4SG8A/75/Screenshot+2024-06-05+at+13.44.43.png)
Teaser
KitchenContent Type
BlogPublish date
06/05/2024
Summary
At Mitchells & Butlers, our chefs are the heartbeat of our kitchens, infusing passion into every dish they craft. But what about when they need a little culinary comfort themselves? We've delve
by
Rebecca Skeet
![4 people stood in a kitchen, one with their back to the camera, each are wearing striped aprons and chef hats.](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481111/3ff9ce79-cbcd-4f6f-96a7-52782fb6a3aa/2023.17000.2568/img/NbtLkFcm2kEXmgjcapSrQA/75/medium-Vintage+Inns+-+Back+of+House.jpg)
Teaser
KitchenContent Type
BlogPublish date
05/02/2024
Summary
Ready to turn up the heat in the kitchen? Whether you’re moving between Mitchells and Butlers brands or teams, or looking for an exciting new role, there are plenty of kitchen assistant skills that
by
Rebecca Skeet
![A smiling man in a grey shirt in a restaurant kitchen stood in front of four plates of food.](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481111/3ff9ce79-cbcd-4f6f-96a7-52782fb6a3aa/2023.17000.2568/img/w5-iD2B6dkP9EwjcZIHSYQ/75/medium-Vintage+Inns+-+Front+of+House.jpg)
Teaser
KitchenContent Type
BlogPublish date
04/25/2024
Summary
Think that being a Kitchen Assistant is a boring job with no career progression? Think again! That’s just one of many big myths about working in a kitchen. There’s much more to being a Kitchen Assista
by
Rachael Langley
![Young woman serving bright cocktail on a bar with fully stocked shelf of spirits as a backdrop](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481111/3ff9ce79-cbcd-4f6f-96a7-52782fb6a3aa/2023.17000.2568/img/mKOkcC0sqkJHkwjbPMJdDw/75/M%26B+-+Title_+Why+working+in+a+pub+is+the+best+summer+job+for+students+.jpg)
Teaser
GeneralContent Type
BlogPublish date
04/24/2024
Summary
Evenings are staying lighter for longer and the days are growing warmer. Dare we say summer is on the way? If you’re thinking “How can I make money as a student?” and are keen to make some extra cas
by
Jess Birch
![sous chef standing over a kitchen apprentice watching them prep food](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481111/3ff9ce79-cbcd-4f6f-96a7-52782fb6a3aa/2023.17000.2568/img/GArb_tw0T0SviwjcTxCcvg/75/medium-Castle++-+Back+of+House.jpg)
Teaser
KitchenContent Type
BlogPublish date
04/05/2024
Summary
Step into the kitchen with us as we delve into the world of sous chefs! You know what a sous chef job is all about, but have you ever wondered what it takes to be a great sous chef? When it comes
by
Rachael Langley
![Waitress bringing food to the couple by the table](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481111/3ff9ce79-cbcd-4f6f-96a7-52782fb6a3aa/2023.17000.2568/img/03O1vdkPhEY2UAjcMTRHSg/75/medium-RJ1A9548.jpg)
Teaser
GeneralContent Type
BlogPublish date
02/28/2024
Summary
Welcome to your go-to guide for mastering hospitality interviews! Working in a pub, bar or restaurant is like no other job. It’s a whirlwind of excitement, human connection and showing guests a good t
by
Amandeep Chahal
Jobs you might like...
Salary
Up to £38000.00 per annum plus bonus
Location
Miller & Carter - Nunthorpe, 21 Cotcliffe Way, Middlesbrough, TS7 0RS, United Kingdom
Departments
Head Chef-Kitchen Manager
Hours
Full Time
Vacancy Type
Regional role
Brand
Miller & Carter
Location
Middlesbrough
Description
An exciting time in Nunthorpe as this new Miller & Carter is due to arrive this summer! We are looking for a highly experienced Kitchen Manager to join us before summer in order to be a part of the op
Reference
2217013
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Rachel WeaverAuthor
Rachel WeaverSalary
Up to £12.40 per hour plus tronc
Location
Miller & Carter Stevenage, Stevenage, SG1 1XN
Departments
Chef
Hours
Full Time
Vacancy Type
Other role
Brand
Miller & Carter
Location
Stevenage
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 Mille
Reference
2236752
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Up to £12.00 per hour
Location
Miller & Carter Stevenage, Stevenage, SG1 1XN
Departments
Chef
Hours
Part Time
Vacancy Type
Other role
Brand
Miller & Carter
Location
Stevenage
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
2236748
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
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.
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…