Alannah Lumsden (18) from Falkirk completed her Professional Cookery Level 5 while on the Forth Valley College Modern Apprenticeship programme and working for MacDonald Inchyra Grange Hotel and Spa in Grangemouth.
She said: “I work with other chefs who have been in the industry for many years, this allows me to learn from them and constantly try to improve my own skills from what I have learned.
“At the Inchyra Grange Hotel I’m mainly based on the pastry and desserts and larder starters sections. This involves making sure that I have prepped enough for dinner service at 5pm. I do this throughout the day and I also have to check function sheets to see if there are any desserts that will also need to be prepped for that week.
“The Modern Apprenticeship programme is a good programme that allows you to obtain a qualification in your chosen career path, while also gaining valuable experience working on the job with people who have done it for many years.
“My MA has helped me progress in my career as it has given me an abundance of knowledge I otherwise wouldn't have learnt in school. It has also helped with my communication skills, teamwork and all the basic skills needed to strive in a work environment.
“I would definitely recommend the MA programme to someone who wants to get involved in hospitality, but doesn't know where to start. This course gives individuals the opportunity to learn and grow in the work environment whilst gaining a qualification.
“The best bit for me so far has been getting to know my co-workers and through time being able to have a laugh, and not always keeping everything so serious, whilst still getting our jobs done.
“the best bit of advice I would give to a potential new MA would be that if your struggling to make a name for yourself, or even find something you enjoy, I would highly recommend taking part in the modern apprenticeship programme, as even if you have little to no qualifications, you can work your way up through the industry and gain valuable knowledge from the best people around.”