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.

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.