Compass Scotland celebrated Scottish Apprenticeship Week with a Q&A with apprentice Cameron Tullis.
Compass Scotland celebrated Scottish Apprenticeship Week with a Q&A with apprentice Cameron Tullis and looks at the Compass apprenticeship application process.
Name: Cameron Tullis
Course: SCQF (Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework) L5 Professional Cookery Modern Apprenticeship with City of Glasgow College
Placement: Currently at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie in Gleneagles; previous placement at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC)
Scheme/s: Apprenticeship in Hospitality Scotland (AHS)
Q: How did you hear about the Compass apprenticeships?
A: I was looking for catering jobs and something that would give me the opportunity to learn new skills and develop my career. I found the opportunity on the Modern Apprenticeships Scotland website.
Q: What originally attracted you to a career in the catering sector?
A: I’ve always had a passion for cooking and wanted to do something practical. I also wanted to work in a kitchen environment.
Q: What tests or criteria did you have to pass in order to gain a place on the apprenticeships programme?
A: I sent in my application, then was called in for an interview with the head chef at the SEC and someone from HR. There were no regimented tests or assessments to pass.
Q: What's your apprenticeship role within Compass Scotland?
A: Professional Cookery Modern Apprenticeship.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your work?
A: I enjoy being able to work as part of a team who are passionate about producing high-quality meals.
I’ve been extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to work in Scotland’s only two Michelin star restaurant – Restaurant Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles – as part of my Compass Scotland apprenticeship. I started in February and will be there for four months.
I’ve already experienced a completely different environment in a smaller and more intimate team at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie. At the SEC, I helped cater for huge numbers (up to 2,000 covers per night) and at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie it is more like 50 per night. This introduces me to a brand new suite of skills and also allows me to hone my existing skills further.
Q: What's the most useful lesson or discipline you've learned since you started with Compass?
A: Everyone in the kitchen has their own important role and it’s vital to understand and value everybody’s different skill sets, backgrounds and what they bring to the kitchen.
Q: What are your plans and goals after you complete your apprenticeship?
A: After I complete my apprenticeship with Compass Scotland, I hope to continue working in the hospitality industry and learn new skills. I also hope to work in new environments and kitchens to develop my career further.
Compass Apprentices - what to know
How to apply
Are you interested in applying to become a Compass apprentice? Search for apprenticeship vacancies on our jobs page and select ‘Apply Now’ to set up a new profile. It will ask for information on work experience and education history. This profile must be completed in full.
Once you submit your profile, Compass will contact you to set up a 5-10 minute introductory call. In this time, we will ask some initial questions and you will have the chance to find out more about the opportunities available. After this, there is a second stage that will be conducted with a hiring manager, but further information will be provided at that time.
Funding opportunities
In collaboration with City of Glasgow College, Compass Scotland’s Flexible Workforce Development Fund (FWDF) can provide support for several qualifications. These include courses in accountancy, marketing, management and leadership, and finance for non-financial managers.
