As part of Hospitality Apprenticeship Week, we’re talking to some of the finalists for this year’s Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards.
The event celebrates the nation’s most inspiring apprentices and the employers, learning providers, and institutions that champion them. Founded by The Pathway Group, The Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards aim to showcase talent and diversity within multicultural communities through the celebration of those working hard to overcome adversity to achieve their goals through apprenticeships. The winners will be revealed at the awards event on 6th November 2026.
Cyril Pereira, Senior Chef de Partie, Restaurant Associates
Apprenticeship for Chef De Partie - Level 3
Tell us about your journey into your current role.
I grew up in a small village in Goa, India. In 1993, I moved to Dubai and worked in the ship repair/shipbuilding industry. We moved to the UK in 2021 as my wife, who’s a nurse, was offered a job in Cambridge. There was no major shipping industry there, so I started looking for alternate work.
I applied for the post of Kitchen Assistant - I had never worked in a kitchen before. My introduction was in the pot wash, but over time, I was introduced to the kitchen and completed a pathway for a chef. After gaining experience, I was promoted to Chef de Partie.
What inspired you to take on an apprenticeship?
The greatest boost for me was when customers and my coworkers started complimenting my food. My greatest happiness would be to see a customer’s plate come back from the restaurant completely empty and I started putting my heart and soul into making my food as good as I could.
I enjoyed cooking and realised that I should think about building a career as a chef. I was thrilled to be enrolled in the first cohort of Steve Groves Culinary Academy, where I would learn from experienced chefs, while also gaining a recognised qualification. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that apart from focusing on practical cooking skills, the apprenticeship also covers communication, time management, people management and inclusion.
What have you learnt from your experience?
I have gained a lot of confidence and become much more independent and capable in the kitchen. It is a very hands-on approach to learning your chosen field. I would definitely recommend to anyone who was thinking about an apprenticeship - to apply for it.
I was lucky to visit many different kitchens during my masterclasses. I saw firsthand how the produce was grown and how much effort goes into ensuring a good crop. The highlight was when we got to harvest our own ingredients and cook using these fresh and lovely vegetables. It really made me respect and value the ingredients we use.
What does being shortlisted for this award mean to you?
Being nominated as a finalist in the Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards means the world to me. It recognises my journey, my cultural identity and my hard work. It fuels my aspirations, increases my confidence and inspires me to keep growing - to make a positive difference and be a better person. It also proves that it’s never too late and nothing is impossible if you really put your mind to it.
Hayden Yu, Event Manager, Levy
Apprenticeship for Operations Manager - Level 5
What have you learnt from your experience?
Through my apprenticeship I’ve gained skills I didn’t have before – one of the main things is presenting in front of large groups. I’ve also learnt about how chefs and the kitchen team function, and I’ve had the opportunity to gain an insight into the financial side of the business.
It has built a level of confidence in me that I didn’t know I had, and has given me an insight into a side of the business I wasn't familiar with. It has also helped me to build relationships with my work colleagues and improve my standard of work.
How does the course support your work and future aspirations?
As I have been gaining vital industry knowledge and experience from peers from other levels and areas within the business, it has put me in a position to increase my output and achieve greater success. This has enabled me to set higher targets for myself for the future and really work up the company ladder.
What does this award nomination mean to you?
Its means that my hard work and dedication is not going unnoticed and I should continue on this upward career curve.
What advice would you give others thinking about doing an apprenticeship?
My advice would be to take every opportunity offered to you. It’s beneficial not only on a professional level but also a personal one.
Amia Symone Fishley, Apprentice Commis Chef, Levy
Apprenticeship for Commis Chef - Level 2
Tell us about your experience so far.
My journey as an apprentice has been amazing. I’ve gone from only having home cooking knowledge to being able to participate in something as exciting as the Compass Apprentice Chef of the Year competition earlier this year. Being in my role is really fulfilling and I’m given amazing opportunities. We just had a big England Vs Pakistan cricket match, and I was put in Ollie Dabbous’ kitchen for the week.
I have enjoyed my apprenticeship so much that I am pursuing a Chef de Partie course straight after.
What have you learnt from your experience?
It has made me grow more as a chef and improved my knowledge, as we have a theory and culinary masterclass.
This course supports me in every way I can think of. They give feedback on my work and work with me, listening and helping me at every step. Mentors are giving me the opportunity to increase my knowledge, while guiding me to achieve my ambition, which is to get as much culinary experience as possible.
What does this award nomination mean to you?
It really shows me that all my hard work has paid off. In a way, it’s a statement to my achievements and I’m glad they have been recognised. It’s a milestone I’m glad to have got to.
What advice would you give others thinking about doing an apprenticeship?
When I was starting off, I had such a good gut feeling about it, and I was recommending it to all my friends - because who doesn’t like the idea of working and gaining knowledge at the same time? I think the apprenticeship has changed me and has given me a better chance at getting my foot into the working world. I think others will appreciate this too.
Diana Onyeka, Chef de Partie, Levy
Apprenticeship for Chef De Partie – Level 3
What inspired you to take on an apprenticeship?
I embarked on this journey because I have a passion for food and always spend more time in the kitchen than anywhere else. I’ve always enjoyed the process involved in preparing food for others and seeing them enjoy it. Taking on this apprenticeship was a big opportunity for me to step into the hospitality industry and explore the different culinary roles available.
What have you learnt from your experience?
There is a lot of responsibility, such as leading a team, managing a section in the kitchen and being able to oversee other areas where there is a need. I have had the chance to develop personally through this programme and utilise my knowledge and skills to deliver results.
Being able to learn with other chefs on the course has also been a great bonus. There are different types of service within hospitality, so understanding the standards as well as expertise is very insightful.
How does the course support your work?
I have enjoyed gaining more awareness of how to work with others in the kitchen. It has also supported my progress with time management and implementing knowledge in the planning and preparation of tasks.
What does this award nomination mean to you?
It is a great privilege to have received this nomination. It demonstrates the value of diversity in the workplace and the importance of being an inspiring figure to those who may be in a minority and want to pursue an apprenticeship. It was unexpected, but an achievement that shows my level of growth has been recognised.
What advice would you give others thinking about doing an apprenticeship?
I would highly recommend embarking on an apprenticeship. It is an opportunity to get straight into the industry and be able to learn from experts and professionals who have a vast level of experience.