NEWS FROM THE TREES GROUP
11 JUNE 2009
YOUNG TRAINEE CHEF HANDED INGREDIENTS FOR FUTURE SUCCESS
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With on-going training and the promise of a full-time job, it is a kitchen dream for one young ex-offender who has become the new chef de partie at one of Leicester's leading restaurant and conference venues.
With a desire to make it on the outside, Paul Smith (22) from New Parks had already completed a 16-week hospitality training programme whilst detained at her majesty's pleasure, successfully achieving an NVQ in Catering.
Using his new qualification to help find a job, Paul immediately impressed Alison Rudkin, general manager at the Highpoint Conference Centre on Glenfield Road, who immediately offered him the chance to put his cooking skills into practice.
"Paul has quickly become a valued member of our team and is proving to be a very talented chef," said Alison Rudkin. "With on-going training, he is gaining invaluable and extensive experience, as Highpoint not only provides conference catering, but also offers a la carte dining in our Orchards Restaurant."
"In this difficult economic time, job opportunities are particularly limited to anyone with a shortage of skills. Working at Highpoint, Paul has the chance to fulfil his dream of becoming a head chef."
Added Paul: "Working in a kitchen is like nothing on earth. It's fast and furious and you’re pulled in all sorts of directions. I love the challenge of making it all come together in the end."
"Highpoint has put its faith in me and encouraged me to develop the skills I learnt while studying for my NVQ. I work closely alongside the head chef and keep learning something new every day."
Highpoint Conference Centre is part of the TREES Group, the largest social enterprise in the East Midlands. It is a unique conference venue. Originally St. Catherine's Chapel and Convent, the site was purchased by Leicester Housing Association in 1997. The £5 million conversion to create Highpoint, a state-of- the-art conference centre with residential accommodation, was completed in 2002.
Run by the Learning and Skills Council, the NVQ hospitality training programme is encouraging an increasing number of offenders in to further training and teaching the requisite skills needed for successful employment in the hospitality sector.
