The Positive Impact of Apprenticeships at Wadham

Our Head Chef, Neil, believes that catering apprenticeships are an important investment, and one that Wadham, as an educational establishment, should support. There is so much experience and knowledge in the College kitchen that he feels should be passed on to the next generation of chefs, especially ones like Fallou who loves cooking. The catering industry risks losing skills without this investment. Wadham’s catering team hasn’t had an apprentice for some time, but Neil was pleased to re-establish the scheme with the support of Robert Hannigan, our Warden. It has been so successful that Neil hopes to keep the scheme going, as he wouldn’t want to be without an apprentice again.

Fallou came to Wadham after deciding that university was not for him, as he preferred to learn by doing – which Wadham’s kitchen provides an ideal environment for. Fallou is learning from experts, while following his passion for preparing great food. After working in restaurants around Oxford in front-of-house and kitchen teams, he was inspired by his grandad to look for opportunities in the University, His great-grandfather had worked in an Oxford college and Fallou wanted a secure environment. And the timings all lined up!

In his four months at Wadham, Fallou has already learned a lot. Although he needs to be a team player, each member of the team has their own important part to play, and they need to deliver consistently. His favourite events have been the students’ Christmas dinner and Burns’ Night, when he was part of the piper’s procession to welcome the haggis. It was exciting to see it all come together with the students’ being part of the night, creating the amazing atmosphere, and enjoying the history of the occasion.

Neil would like to see more apprentices in College, as they create jobs and futures. Fallou is gaining skills and experience, and wants to follow the high standards he has seen here throughout his career.