Jersey apprenticeship helps former kitchen porter chase dreams
A former kitchen porter says he has been able to chase his dream of become a pastry chef thanks to an apprenticeship course.Samuel Ayoti, from Kenya, came to Jersey shortly after the Covid-19 pandemic and began working as a kitchen porter.His former head chef saw Mr Ayoti's hard work and encouraged him to do an apprenticeship at Highlands College in 2022.Mr Ayoti was named Best Student Apprentice in his first year and said what he had learnt had "immensely improved" his skills.
Chef lecturer at Highlands College Adrian Goldsborough was the one who nominated Mr Ayoti for the award.He said: "English is a second language to Samuel, so he struggled a bit.. [but] he was very open to learning, asked questions and he's excelled."We work well with the industry but there is more room for more chat to help more people through apprenticeships."Mr Ayoti progressed to a Level 2 Diploma in Professional Cookery and is now undertaking his Level 3 Professional Practice apprenticeship while working as a Chef de Partie at the Oyster Box restaurant.
Jacky Eon is the head chef of the Oyster Box and has seen how the apprenticeship courses have helped Mr Ayoti.He said: "Samuel is very good at his job and he's very enthusiastic... I come from an apprenticeship background as well and I think it's a good way to train people."It's very important that the hospitality industry gets more people working through training schemes like apprenticeships.The JP Restaurant group allowed Mr Ayoti a day off a week to do his apprenticeship course.
Mr Ayoti said he wanted to show others who had come to the island that they could also make the most of these opportunities as well.He said: "When I came to the island, I didn't have much knowledge of cooking... but since coming to Highlands College I learnt a lot and hopefully I can implement in the future."You need to be committed and flexible to follow your goals and dreams, but, if you persevere, then you will enjoy the fruits of your work."
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