Fuller's Chefs' Guild Apprentice Claudine shares her story
Claudine Mcarthy graduated earlier this year from Fuller’s Chef Guild Apprenticeship Level 2 and is looking forward to the challenge of Level 3.
We asked her a few questions about what it's like to be a Fuller's Chef Guild Apprentice.
Q&A with Fuller's Chef Apprentice Claudine
What is your background, Claudine?
"I am 40 years old, with two children. Prior to joining Fuller’s, I had experience working in catering for schools. After my youngest child went into secondary school, I looked at what I actually wanted to do with my life, which was being a chef! It’s difficult balance 'cheff-ing' with kids!"
How did you find out about Fuller’s Chef’s Guild Apprenticeship Scheme?
"My friend was working in George IV in Chiswick, and as I had management experience before, the Head Chef there took me on as a Chef de Partie. However, I hadn’t worked to order or in the pass before. I could look lasagne for 100 but I wasn’t sure how to cook a medium rare steak! It was this realisation that led to the General Manager at the pub suggesting the apprenticeship scheme to me, and I applied."
What do you enjoy about the Apprenticeship Scheme?
"It’s fantastic being with people who are interested in the same thing as you. I absolutely love learning in a university setting. The lecturers are brilliant and we learn to a such a high quality standard. My favourite ingredient is seafood, I really enjoyed being taught how to fillet plaice from scratch.
"At the same time, working in a pub throughout the week gives me that hands on experience. You learn dishes at university that you don’t necessarily cook at the pub, but the skills are transferrable. I see the younger chefs around me and I know, these are skills they will take with them for the next 30-40 years, onwards to becoming Head Chefs!"
What has been one of the best experiences for you?
"I was taken to the Houses of Parliament to represent apprenticeships with some other chefs in my cohort. I was able to take my Mum, which was amazing as I felt so proud of myself, as I wasn’t a high achiever at school. I was also interviewed by Sky News! The next would be my graduation from Level 2. I could hold my head up with pride in what I’d achieved."
Any advice?
"Yes! Ultimately, I’d say, find your balance. Work hard at your university work and be prepared to show 100% commitment at the pub as well. The Apprenticeship Scheme is a challenge so you can’t go into it half-hearted, but I promise, it’s worth it. You need to learn to juggle, but after all, you get an NVQ qualification which is world-wide recognised!"
Anything else?
"Whether you are 18 or 40 it doesn’t matter the age of you or those in your team, you look out for each other and help each other through."
#beproudofit
