Springboard Programme: FutureChef Finalist

Region: South West England

Year: 2022

Perran took part in Springboard’s FutureChef in 2022, where he was a National Finalist! Since taking part he has gone on to start an apprenticeship. Here’s what he had to say…

“I enjoy every aspect of my apprenticeship. On a day to day basis, I am able to experiment with new techniques, styles of plating, cuisines and learn about many aspects of cuisine. I love exploring new elements of culinary arts, and every day I am given the chance to be artistic in my work. For me, the artistic nature of cooking is incredibly enticing, as naturally I have an artistic flair. Having the ability to play with new colour contrasts and flavour combinations is the most enjoyable part of my work.

If you have a passion for cooking, then I would thoroughly recommend starting an apprenticeship in culinary arts. You are granted the ability to learn an incredible amount in such a short time, especially when you have a mentor figure in your career. You are constantly given constructive criticism on any dishes that you produce, which allows you to rapidly expand your knowledge and progress. During your apprenticeship, you also get paid for doing the thing that you love, and you get qualified at the end!

Since starting my apprenticeship, I have learnt more than I ever thought I would. Having a mentor figure to look up to and guide me has rapidly increased my knowledge. Before my apprenticeship began, I had the passion to grow and succeed however I did not know which direction to go in. My mentor taught me the basics such as butchery, filleting and honing knife skills in a matter of weeks, and over the course of the last few months my ability to thrive in a team has very quickly progressed. Whilst learning how to perform in a team, I have also had many opportunities given to me to experiment with menu planning, dish development and learning more technical aspects of culinary arts.”