Catering manager Stewart Wooles is now encouraging chefs in his team to follow in his footsteps after generating a thirst for learning whilst completing an apprenticeship.
Stewart, who works for Compass Group UK & Ireland’s (ESS) at RRC Crickhowell, hopes to progress to a Higher Apprenticeship and further improve his skills and knowledge.
“From a catering point of view, I wanted to challenge myself in skills that I have not been taught, as I was not very confident in bakery, pastries and chocolate work,”
Despite struggling with numbers due to dyscalculia, Stewart says his Apprenticeship in Professional Cookery has improved his cooking skills, knowledge, confidence and mathematics.
“I developed new skills and learnt new cooking methods that I can take into my role to help progress my team. I love learning new skills and techniques, so I thoroughly enjoyed the practical work and really look forward to developing myself.
“The apprenticeship has given me the confidence and skills to excel in my current position and made me realise the importance of developing junior members of my team. I look forward to hopefully continuing my learning journey.”
Throughout the pandemic, Stewart worked at different sites where the Army has been deployed, providing an excellent service to the serving solders, resulting in a commendation.
Retired officer commanding RRC Crickhowell, RAF Squadron Leader John Dunn, says: “I can say without hesitation that Stewart has delivered the best service that I have encountered in my 33 years in the RAF.”
The Apprenticeship Programme in Wales is funded by the Welsh Government with support from the European Social Fund.
