Coinciding with our exciting win at The Gatwick Diamond Business Awards for 'Developing People for Success', we welcomed an up and coming chef into our kitchen team for work experience.
Last year Orlagh joined us for her school work experience, alongside two other students. Her first placement was a guest-facing opportunity waitressing in our lounges and 2 AA Rosette Anderida Restaurant. This offered her an exclusive insight into the workings of a large luxury catering environment.
This time, as part of her college course gaining her V.R.Q. (Vocationally Related Qualification) level one, she joined our team of chefs. Her passion for catering has grown strength to strength and during this opportunity, our chef's ensured that she was able to experience a variety of catering challenges and develop her skills.
Orlagh shared the following feedback from her two-week experience:
"During my time in the kitchen, the chefs have given me the opportunity to try new tasks, such as opening Oysters, something I had never done before. Create canapes for events, make the salsa and oils for dishes and plate starters. Now at the end of my two weeks here (at Ashdown Park Hotel), I feel trusted and a part of the team. It was great working directly with the Executive Head Chef too, Byron Hayter - he's very friendly, encouraging and knowledgeable.
I've really enjoyed the fast pace and pressure of working during service with clear instruction. Its become very clear just how important communication is in a working kitchen.
The whole 'real work' experience has been brilliant, very different to the kitchen at college."
Our Executive Head Chef Byron Hayter said:
"It's a delight to be able to help nurture such budding talent. Being a chef is an exciting and rewarding environment and it's great to be able to offer Orlagh the opportunity to get a genuine insight into the workings of her chosen career path."
It's one of Ashdown Park's focus' to support upcoming professionals and providing the opportunities to help build their understanding and love for their future career.
If you would like to discuss a work experience opportunity within any of our departments please contact our Personnel team on: 01342 824988.
We are looking forward to hearing from you.