Catering Apprentice, Harry Skoulding is named Apprentice of the Year in annual awards

Harry Skoulding has been named as Catering Apprentice of the Year in annual awards organised by Cambridge Regional College. The awards are an opportunity to celebrate excellent employers and employees from across the region.

Harry, 17, of March, said part of his inspiration to go into catering was the family business of the Oliver Cromwell Hotel and Restaurant in March.

Harry said: “I would help out there as I grew up and found my favourite thing was being part of people’s weddings and helping to make the event a successful happy day for everyone.

“I had always quite liked baking so decided to give catering a try.

“I’d been working at the Old Nene Golf Club at weekends and was lucky that I could continue by being taken on by them to study for the Level 2 Apprenticeship.

Harry helps prepare and cook a daily menu of elevated style pub food and also helps cater for functions such as weddings, where the catering team provides a five-course menu.

“I love being part of the weddings,” Harry said.

“What I’ve loved about being a catering apprentice has been learning all the different areas that go into running a restaurant, such as Health and Safety in the kitchen and restaurant as well as different cooking styles.

“I’ve learned a lot and enjoyed the flexibility. I think apprenticeships give skills that wouldn’t be picked up at college alone.

“I’ve interacted with hundreds of customers and am learning all the time in a real-life setting. I am also learning a lot from other staff.

“I never expected to win this apprenticeship award and am pleasantly surprised! It shows I’m doing the right thing and that makes me very happy.”

•  To find out about learning on the apprenticeship route follow the link