Head Chef Review

by Mitchells & Butlers

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

9/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

I am currently a Vintage Inns Head Chef. I run the kitchen, including all training of BoH team members, food ordering and stock control, due diligence, and kitchen cleanliness and operational effectiveness.

10/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

This course has given me a much greater appreciation of food, including how to to utilise everything minimising wastage for both economic and ethical reasons. It has helped me understand why things are done, and how to utilise different ingredients for different results. For example, how Coley is a great substitute for Cod.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

Immensely. I look forward to it each month

10/10

4. How valued do you feel by Mitchells & Butlers?

Very much so, I've had great oppurtunites in my career so far. This course has helped me grow and I think it's amazing that the company supplies us with the chance to do so.

10/10

5. How well organised/structured is your programme?

This is 50/50. I think the content is brilliant and well laid out. However, I feel that there are too many of us in the kitchen at times, leading it to be difficult to get timings correct due to lack of hob and oven space. Also, Gary is an amazing tutor, who picks up quickly the abilities of his students. Other tutors, I feel, struggle to pick up on the pace some of us, particularly the AKM group, can work. Which inadvertently leads to a slower, less efficient working pace.

8/10

6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?

As much as I need without being overbearing. He pushes me and allows me to push myself, while still being supportive

10/10

6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?

Unfortunately, this depends on time of year and business demands. They only seem to think of the weekly take and weekly bill as opposed to the future of the company and my progression within the company and brand. He is supportive, but makes his displeasure known if the course takes precedence over the business in my eyes.

5/10

7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?

Perfectly.

10/10

8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?

I admit that at the moment, I almost completely live, breathe and eat work. The curse of being a youngish HC. A little bit of my own fault, a little bit the company

8/10

9. Would you recommend Mitchells & Butlers to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

Overall, I think the oppurtunites and benefits are outstanding. I poached my brother from Tescos. He has worked for me in two different brands now.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Mitchells & Butlers?

Maintain a decent work/life balance. And graft hard. You only het out what you put in