How John achieved the role of Kitchen Manager just 3 years after he joined M&B as an Apprentice
How John achieved the role of Kitchen Manager just 3 years after he joined M&B as an Apprentice
John joined us as an apprentice in 2020, just three months before lockdown #1 hit having never stepped foot in a kitchen.
Since then, John has taken every opportunity to learn and develop his skills and knowledge within the Kitchen.
Through his apprenticeship, John has achieved both Level 2 Production Chef, and level 3 Hospitality Supervisor Apprenticeships and has since progressed from Team Member to Team leader, through to his current position of Kitchen Manager. John is a prime example of the heights that can be reached through our Apprentice schemes and the career which hospitality can offer our Team Members.
We caught up with John to find out how his apprenticeship has sharpened his cooking skills and propelled his career.
What made you decide to join M&B?
I moved over to the UK from Ireland as my brother was already working here at The Highfield Sizzling. He arranged an interview for me with Dave the General Manager and he convinced me to try the apprenticeship.
Please can you summarise your career at M&B?
It originally was going to be a temporary job. But I decided to do the apprenticeship while I was here.
During my Apprenticeship I found that I really enjoyed working in the kitchen and the team I was working with. With the help of the team even though it was a struggle, I picked up the ropes. It was definitely a shock going from never cooking meat before to cooking hundreds of chickens and steaks a week! We then hit lockdown and following was the ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme which was a real trial by fire. At the end of which I finished my level 2 production chef and went straight on to Level 3 Hospitality Supervisor and started my progression to Kitchen Team Leader. During this time, I got to work under Accredited Kitchen Managers which helped develop my skills massively. Finally, after finishing my Level 3 Hospitality Supervisor the opportunity to step up into the Kitchen Manager role presented itself and I leapt at the chance.
How have you been supported throughout the development of your kitchen career?
Lifetime and my trainer David were incredibly helpful and understanding throughout my Apprenticeship. Helping me out if I needed extra time for a certain section due to time constraints. I also had a lot of support from Dave and then Elysia the GMs who both bent over backwards to help me and the team when needed. As mentioned before both Accredited Kitchen Managers were and still are a massive help with any questions or support, I need.
What are some key lessons you have learnt so far in your new role as a KM?
It sometimes takes a lot of graft to keep the kitchen running but having a strong team you can trust is hugely important and something I try to teach any new chef in the kitchen. And not to be afraid to ask for help. I probably talked the ear of my districts Accredited Kitchen Manager in the run up to Christmas trying to make sure everything was ready.
Do you have any advice for someone thinking of bringing their kitchen career to M&B?
Ask questions and communicate. As long as those around you know what's going on you can get the support you might need.
Where could an apprenticeship with M&B take you?
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
See what we're all about
We're shaping a workplace where everyone thrives. Explore the heart and soul of Mitchells & Butlers by checking out our guiding principles.
Some articles you might like
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
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
02/06/2024
Summary
To celebrate this year’s National Apprenticeship Week, we want to introduce you to someone… Meet Tristan, our kitchen whiz at Miller and Carter Grantham! Ditching the traditional route post-school,
by
Sophie Russell
Teaser
GeneralContent Type
BlogPublish date
08/25/2023
Summary
Tired of being desk-bound and dreaming of something more exciting? Why not wave goodbye to the typical 9-5 and say hello to a career in hospitality that's as vibrant as your favorite cocktail! Picture
by
Jess Birch
Teaser
KitchenContent Type
BlogPublish date
06/27/2022
Summary
Every year we host MABsterchef. Yes, you read that right. Think Masterchef, but better. The cook-off competition is a chance for any chef apprentice to create and cook a dish that will blow our
by
Rebecca Houseago
Teaser
KitchenContent Type
BlogPublish date
01/07/2022
Summary
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
by
Rachel Weaver
Teaser
Company updateContent Type
BlogPublish date
12/21/2020
Summary
<!-- Hotjar Tracking Code for https://www.mbcareersandjobs.com/ --> (function(h,o,t,j,a,r){ h.hj=h.hj||function(){(h.hj.q=h.hj.q||[]).push(arguments)}; h._hjSettings={hjid:2713474,hjsv:6}; a=o.ge
by
Steph Baker
Teaser
ApprenticeshipContent Type
BlogPublish date
12/11/2020
Summary
<!-- Hotjar Tracking Code for https://www.mbcareersandjobs.com/ --> (function(h,o,t,j,a,r){ h.hj=h.hj||function(){(h.hj.q=h.hj.q||[]).push(arguments)}; h._hjSettings={hjid:2713474,hjsv:6}; a=o.ge
by
Emily Smith
Teaser
ApprenticeshipContent Type
BlogPublish date
08/18/2020
Summary
Bartosz completed a chef apprenticeship with Premium Country Pubs. Achieving a Commis Chef level 2 certificate. Here's what he had to say about his experience: WHAT DO YOU LIKE BES
by
Sue Bayley
Teaser
ApprenticeshipContent Type
BlogPublish date
08/01/2020
Summary
Callum Jones completed his chef apprenticeship at an Ember Inns pub, The Horse and Jockey, in Aylesbury. Securing a Commis Chef level 2 certificate, Callum wants to share his experience for an
by
Rachel Weaver
Jobs you might like...
Salary
£258.00 - 343.20 per week
Location
Stag and Hounds - London, N9 9JW
Departments
Chef Apprenticeships
Hours
Full Time
Brand
Ember Inns
Description
As an apprentice Bar and Waiting Saff at Ember Inns,you are the personality behind the beer pumps, the expert on the drink's menu and know our food menu inside out, frequently recommending your favour
Reference
VA/243106
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
£258.00 - 343.20 per week
Location
Pretty Pigs - Tamworth, B79 0ED
Departments
Chef Apprenticeships
Hours
Full Time
Brand
Mitchells & Butlers
Description
As an apprentice Chef at Stonehouse, we will help you master our menu, with your food being the reason guests keep coming through our doors! You'll thrive off the hustle and bustle of a fast-paced kit
Reference
VA/243139
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
£258.00 - 343.20 per week
Location
Toby Carvery - Enfield, EN1 3PN
Departments
Chef Apprenticeships
Hours
Full Time
Brand
Toby Carvery
Description
As an apprentice Chef at Toby Carvery, we will help you master our menu, with your food being the reason guests keep coming through our doors! You'll thrive off the hustle and bustle of a fast-paced k
Reference
VA/243138
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…