Trainee chefs from Lancaster and Heysham have recipe for career success

Two trainee chefs from the Lancaster and Morecambe area have been recruited by a specialist training academy.

Syd Gallagher-Shuttleworth from Lancaster and Dillon Hearne from Heysham are on track to become chefs through the English Lakes Hotels Culinary Academy.  

Syd, 20, will be based at the Foodworks Restaurant at Lancaster House Hotel while Dillon,18, will be working in the open kitchen Grill & Smokehouse at Wild Boar Estate, Windermere.

The 15-month apprenticeship course run in conjunction with Kendal College allows the trainees to earn a living with the hotel group and gain vital experience in a thriving restaurant kitchen environment.  

On completion of the course, the students will benefit from Level 2 Commis Chef and Level 3 Chef de Partie qualifications.

The apprentices are learning their trade under the guidance and coaching of group training and development chef Daniel Winstanley, an appointed member of The Master Chefs of Great Britain.  

A key milestone in the course is a plan for the Culinary Academy trainees to deliver a set menu as part of a restaurant takeover at the college in the coming months.

Dillon was inspired to apply for the Culinary Academy having seen recipes he wanted to make for his family when he was younger.

“It’s nice to be around like-minded people who love fine food service and working with them helps you to be punctual and good at multitasking,” he said.

Syd said: “I’ve always enjoyed cooking at home and feeding family and friends and I wanted to expand my understanding of catering and cuisine."

They have been joined by Sherif Moussa from Egypt, who will gain experience with the culinary team at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa.  

Daniel Winstanley, from English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues, said: "The Culinary Academy is now in its 10th year and we can’t wait to see how Syd, Sherif and Dillon develop their skills as trainee chefs.

“The course gives the students the chance to attain fully accredited chef qualifications with Kendal College whilst climbing the first steps of the career ladder with paid jobs. This apprenticeship route is a great way to build experience whilst training.

“Last year’s students are progressing well, with our level 2 trainee chefs reaching the end of their practical assessments where they prepare and present dishes they create themselves in line with the criteria set by the awarding body.  

"They are already passing on their knowledge to the new cohort.  It’s great to see them all working together."