After serving in the RAF, 21-year-old Leven was unsure what to do next. However, while working in a restaurant, Leven realised the potential of the hospitality sector.

Having recently completed his HANE apprenticeship at the prestigious Fife Arms, a new career as a chef now beckons.

Here’s Leven’s story:

I had a part-time job in a hotel while at school and really enjoyed it. And after coming out of the RAF, I worked in a bar restaurant for a while. At that point, I considered going to university to study accountancy, but I wasn’t sure. I was enjoying the practical side of working in the bar when someone I knew suggested The Fife Arms.

The hotel was advertising an apprenticeship on its website, so I applied. I started in October 2019 and enjoyed working through all the department rotations.

When I first started at The Fife Arms, I thought I wanted to stay in food and beverage until I moved into my kitchen rotation. I had never cooked before but was taken by the creativity of the kitchen, and I loved the busy environment and the feeling of adrenalin and satisfaction. I felt fortunate to be working with such talent, and I have learned so much.

The Fife Arms is one of a kind and has set me up for a career in hospitality; it has been an excellent starting point. I felt part of the team right from the beginning and have been supported all the way. Sometimes I forget I was actually an apprentice!

I now work as a Chef de Partie at the hotel and want to keep progressing. I’d also like to travel and build on my knowledge and skills when it comes to my own cooking style.

For anyone thinking of applying for a hospitality apprenticeship, I would say 100% go for it.

Looking back, I know I made the right decision to do an apprenticeship, and I have never been so excited about my future.