Earlier this month Jess, who is an apprentice chef de partie for Chartwells Independent, took the crown of Apprentice Chef of the Year following a final cook-off. Her winning menu included:
- Starter: Gin and Juniper cured Trout, Wasabi and Cucumber Emulsion and a Nori Dust
- Main course: Sous-vide Beef fillet with an herb crumb, Pulled Banana Skin, Jerusalem artichoke puree, tenderstem broccoli and a red wine jus
- Dessert: Guinness Chocolate Tart, salt and vinegar crisps with vanilla ice cream
Miller commented: “The whole experience has been brilliant, and I have learnt and developed my skills throughout. Tonight, has been the conclusion of all my hard work to date and I am so pleased with how my dishes have been received - big thanks go to the other chefs, it’s been great to work in a team together.”
Jagdeep Soor, head of strategic partnerships at the Multicultural Apprenticeship Alliance; Kris Hall, founder of The Burnt Chef Project and Amanda Scott, director of talent, learning, diversity and inclusion at Compass Group UK & Ireland came together at the event to discuss the importance of apprenticeships, how to nurture talent and the impact programmes have on reducing the skills gap.
Jonathan Foot, head of apprenticeships & early careers at Compass Group UK & Ireland, commented: “This competition is important to our business and the apprentices that we recruit.
“It gives them an opportunity to show off their talent, but also to learn and work as a team – going through the stages of the competition, which then culminates in this stand out event. Our apprentice brigade of chefs have done so well, the food was amazing, the team spirit really shone through and their skills and talent speak for themselves.”
Miller was supported by Forward with Marcus Wareing chefs Amy Duthie also of Chartwells Independent, as well as Sam Kent of Restaurant Associates and Leanne Turk, Foodbuy UK.
The other apprentice chefs who took part in the competition supported her at the event. They were:
- Cameron Coleman – professional cookery apprentice, Levy UK + Ireland
- Mohamed Elhrabi – apprentice commis chef, ESS
- Cian Evans – apprentice chef de partie, Levy UK + Ireland
- Diana Onyeka – apprentice commis chef, Levy UK + Ireland
- Laura Smith – senior production chef apprentice, Chartwells
- Connor Thomas – apprentice commis chef, Levy UK + Ireland
- Cameron Tullis – professional cookery apprentice, Levy UK + Ireland