As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we are proud to shine a spotlight on Lucy Hollingshurst, one of Wilson Vale’s talented Production Chef Apprentices, whose journey is a brilliant example of how a passion for cooking supported by practical learning and strong team support can shape the start of a career in hospitality.

From Work Experience to Career Path

Lucy joined one of our Wilson Vale catering teams in October 2024 as a Catering Apprentice, working 24 hours per week while completing her Production Chef Apprenticeship Standard Level 2 with Derby College Group. In February 2026, Lucy was promoted into a permanent role as Commis Chef, a milestone that reflects both her development and the positive contribution she makes to the team.

Lucy’s interest in cooking started at a young age, but it was after some work experience with a Wilson Vale catering team that she was prompted to take it to the next level. “I just simply love cooking and have done since a young age. I had a couple of experience days here in the kitchen, which really helped me get to grips with how it all worked, and I absolutely loved those days. It happily worked out for me from then on.”

From the outset, Lucy hoped her apprenticeship would lead to a permanent role. “I genuinely loved every day that I got to work, even the early mornings. I was really hoping everything would work out and lead me onto having a job here. The team we have are so unbelievably amazing and such great people, which really helped with me wanting to continue working here.”

Marion Speed, Wilson Vale Learning and Development Manager, is thrilled to see Lucy secure a full time role with Wilson Vale, commenting; “it has been brilliant to see Lucy’s confidence grow and to have been appointed into a permanent role goes to show how incredibly successful and important apprenticeships can be at the start of a career”.

Chef Manager Jim Grieveson adds, “I must say, seeing Lucy’s skills develop to the level she is at now has been fantastic. A Wilson Vale star of the not so distant future, I am sure.”

The Production Chef Apprenticeship

The Production Chef Apprenticeship is designed to equip chefs with the organisational skills, accuracy and attention to detail required to produce high-quality food, often in high at volume.

Andrew Haw, IQA/Assessor in Hospitality for Derby College Group has been delighted with her progression. “Lucy has been committed to her studies and flourished in her culinary development with the Wilson Vale team. The apprenticeship offers a practical and engaging route for students to transition from a learning environment into a career in the hospitality industry”.

The apprenticeship covers six core modules:

• Kitchen operations
• Nutrition
• Legal and governance
• People
• Business and commercial awareness
• Personal development and performance

Lucy attends interactive online theory sessions with her assessor, linking learning directly to her workplace experience. Alongside this, Wilson Vale delivers hands-on training, experience to the different sections and roles within a kitchen and in-depth understanding standards and working practices.

Chef Manager Jim has supported Lucy’s development from day one. “At first it was food safety training, basic knife skills and safe working practices. She has worked the main course and dessert sections, shadowing the lead chef on each station and has come on a lot in her time here. This has allowed her to widen her culinary repertoire with confidence.

Her palate has been trained on a wide variety of dishes and we have been keen that she should learn quickly how to correctly season and serve what she makes too, which she now can do competently.

We have also been able to show and get her onto a little bit of butchery and fishmongery in the process of seeing dishes through from beginning to end. I believe understanding the dish allows you to see it through and really develop pride in it.

As part of her college work, I have had her plan a couple of theme days, before helping and advising on menu refinement and the ergonomics of service.”

Growing in Skill and Confidence

When asked which skills she is most proud of, Lucy reflects on her time in the kitchen. “I feel like the main skill I have gained is within the pastry department. I pride myself in the pastry I make and my crimping technique along the edges of pies or pasties. Another skill I’ve learned I’m good at is using a piping bag. I’m rather good at decorating cakes as well as savoury food items.”

Beyond technical ability, Lucy highlights the growth in her confidence. “The apprenticeship has improved my confidence on an unbelievable level. A lot of people can tell the difference from when I first started. My confidence gets boosted from my coworkers as well as communicating with customers on a daily basis. They all compliment my cooking and presentation, which I’m really appreciative of.”

The supportive culture within the kitchen has been central to her progress. “Every single day I always get a high level of support. If I need any extra help or make a small mistake, I feel comfortable asking. I get all the support I could ask for and more.”

Working alongside experienced colleagues has also accelerated her development. “Each of the team can approach tasks in different ways, which helps me as I can learn what suits me best. They know the most efficient ways of doing things and how to avoid mistakes, or if something goes wrong how to divert workflow to make things work out perfectly. I look up to them all.”

Looking to the Future

“Someday I would like to have my own business, either a café or a restaurant. It’s something I’ve always wanted and love the idea of. In the nearer future, I’m really happy right where I am job wise, but I’d still like to improve myself, both skill wise and personally, especially my confidence.”

Her advice to others considering an apprenticeship is simple and heartfelt. “Go for it. Give it your best. You will meet new people, learn new skills and improve as a person overall. It’s the best decision I ever made.”

A Great Career Pathway into Hospitality

Lucy’s journey shows the power of apprenticeships in creating career pathways within hospitality. Through structured learning, dedicated mentoring and a supportive team culture, apprentices like Lucy are not only developing technical expertise, but also building the confidence and professionalism that will shape the future of the hospitality industry.

We look forward to seeing Lucy continue to thrive as she completes her apprenticeship and grows in her role as Commis Chef!