Recently we met with work experience student Orlagh and we are now delighted to be able to tell you about Graduate Alex Loveland, who has completed the Specialised Chefs Scholarship arranged by the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts and managed by The Bournemouth & Poole College.
The Specialised Chefs Scholarship is a 3-year course which involves an on-going placement in a highly esteemed restaurant or hotel. Students are required to attend college for a few months and then began their assigned placement, intermittently returning for lectures. This is a course for those with a true passion for cooking.
Alex graduated in March 2018 and was awarded the high honour of 'Student of Year', an achievement given to the person who has shown the most passion & enthusiasm throughout the course, often going above and beyond. She was presented with her award at a Black Tie evening by Chef Brian Turner (known to those outside of the chef community from BBC's 'Ready Steady Cook').
During her time at Ashdown Park Hotel Alex said she has enjoyed the opportunity to develop herself as a chef and work across all the various sections within a kitchen.
"Although there are highlights in every section which I've come to love, I particularly like working in the sauce section as you get to do a lot of your own butchery, a skill which I enjoy.
The best thing about my course and being placed at Ashdown Park has been the experience and independence I've earnt. Under supervision, I have been able to build trust in my abilities with Head Chef and therefore work my way up to run sections. This has provided me with such a unique insight and chance to learn - something which many chefs my age have never had. I've understood the real sense of pressure and organisation required, in addition to skill, to run a successful kitchen - all whilst enhancing myself."
Following the course, it is customary for students to work-on at the venue they were placed so they can not only continue to improve their skills but also as a way to say 'thank- you' for the opportunity. Alex has said she is certainly continuing this tradition and loves working at Ashdown Park Hotel.