Liam Pope, one of the first students to benefit from the ALMR’s funding of the catering NVQ at Hassocks, has just qualified as a Chef.
At just 19, Liam has gone from strength to strength, recently receiving his NVQ Level 2 in Professional Cookery after developing his knowledge and love of cooking at LSV Hassocks, a specialist school for young people with Autism.
Liam said: “When I arrived at LVS Hassocks five years ago I could only make a pot noodle. But the school encouraged me to become more independent and cook my own lunches and it gave me confidence that I could do it”. The funding for the NVQ came from members of the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR).
Last year, we spoke to Liam, who at the time was an Apprentice Pastry Chef and previously underwent work experience at Yummy Pub Co’s Wiremill pub. The placement was arranged for three months, but such was Liam’s impact at the pub that he was asked to stay part of the team for more than double that time.
Head of Centre at LVS Hassocks Kira Brabenec said: “We follow Liam’s career closely and are delighted he has gone on to become a qualified chef. It is really pleasing to know that the school was able to help Liam shape a bright future with a good job and excellent prospects from him arriving as a learner five years ago without an idea of what he wanted to do. His progression will inspire current learners at the school and reinforces that LVS Hassocks helps learners develop career paths and independent lives”.
Thanks to the hands-on experience and NVQ training, Liam now has a planned career path as a qualified Chef. He will compete in the Young Chef of the Year Competition in October at a national event hosted by Sodexo and is looking to start his NVQ Level 3 qualification.
Pub & Bar Careers want to give well-deserved congratulations to Liam and all those that have helped to make this happen.
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