A young commis chef in the award-winning restaurant at Llangoed Hall, near Brecon has been tipped as one to watch in the future after being judged skills and craft student of the year in the NPTC Group’s catering department.
James Corbett, 19, from Carno, has just completed his NVQ level three qualification in professional cookery at the college’s Newtown Campus and has started a full time post in the kitchen at Llangoed Hall, where he has worked part-time since last October.
He first made contact with the five star country house hotel, which is popular with rich and famous guests, last year when he spent a week on work experience there with two fellow students from NPTC Group.
Llangoed Hall’s head chef Nick Brodie said: “James stood out as the star student and impressed me so much that I offered him a job. He chose to work here part-time while he finished his course.
“I’m really chuffed for him that he has won this award because he’s a very promising chef with a great attitude and personality and a very solid worker. He definitely has potential and, in a few years’ time, he will be one to watch.”
James began his journey into the world of catering as a pot washer at the Aleppo Merchant Inn in his home village of Carno to help fund his passion for mountain bike racing at a national level. After winning one race and achieving a few podium finishes, he opted to focus his energy on developing a career as a chef.
That decision has paid dividends, as he has now won the top student award and landed a job at one of Wales’ best restaurants. Coincidentally, the award is sponsored by Llangoed Hall.
He thanked the college staff and Mr Brodie for their support. “It’s amazing to have won the award because I’m not academic and wasn’t expecting it,” he said. “I think working at Llangoed Hall gave me a massive head start.
“It’s hard work but it’s the best place to be with a team a very talented young chefs. Nick has helped me massively over the last 12 months and has always taken an interest in what I was doing at college.
“My ambition is to work my way up the ranks at Llangoed Hall and to eventually become a head chef. If I can get anywhere near as good as Nick, I will be very happy.”
Picture caption:
James Corbett (left) prepares afternoon tea under the supervision of head chef Nick Brodie.
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