Congratulations!

Congratulations are the order of the day for Chloe, our Apprentice Commis Chef.

Chloe has breezed through her course work over the last 18 months, excelling in the practicals, online studying and hands-on learning in the Tap, mentored by Mark and Head Chef Maria.

After her final written, oral and 3-hour practical exam, Chloe passed with flying colours and gained a Distinction.  She is now a fully-fledged Commis Chef!

We caught up with Chloe after her well-deserved success:

Q: How does it feel to get a Distinction?

A: Really great!  A Distinction is the highest pass grade so it feels like all the hard work has paid off!

Q: Were you nervous before the Final exams?

A: Very nervous. But it was more nerve-racking to log on to get my results online.  Luckily Mark was with me!

Q: What did you have to cook in the Practical exam?

A: I had to prepare and present a completely gluten free meal.  I chose Marry Me Chicken for the main course, with a boned breast of chicken in a cream, parmesan, sun-dried tomato and garlic sauce.  I served this with spiralised courgette and buttered new potatoes. 

Then Lemon Drizzle sponge with Chantilly cream and raspberry coulis to finish.

Q: How did Marry Me Chicken get its name?

A: They say it tastes so good that if you cook it for your partner, they will ask you to marry them!

Q: What was the hardest part of the written, oral or practical exams?

Working to the time frames.  The oral exam was a question-and-answer session about my portfolio over the year and general kitchen practices, which lasted a whole hour.  The practical exam covered three hours, The examiner, who I hadn’t met before, observed me prepping and cooking, then tasted the dish at the end. I was really pleased with the dishes and the rest of the team hoovered them up after the exam had finished! 

Q: How did you celebrate your success?

I was at work when I got the results so I haven’t had time to celebrate yet, but I phoned my mum and dad straight away to tell them the good news.  I think we’re planning a family dinner next week.

Q: Now you are a fully qualified Commis Chef, what is your next goal?

I’m not sure yet.  I might do an additional course but I don’t have to decide until May.  But I am really happy to be a qualified Commis Chef here at Hogs Back Brewery.

Q: Did you enjoy the Level 1 & 2 Commis Chef Apprenticeship course?

Yes, I loved it! I learned so much, especially on the practical away-days, and everyone here has been so supportive. 

We couldn’t be more pleased for Chloe, who is our first apprentice to graduate from the TEA [Train. Experience. Achieve] Academy.  We wish her every success as she continues the next chapter of her career here at the Hogs Back Brewery!

Find out more about our TEA [Train. Experience. Achieve] Academy.

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