With the lockdown and places of work closed, several HSDC apprentice chefs had time on their hands and wanted to help in the local community. In stepped Hospitality Apprenticeship Assessor Gemma Hammond, who has put their skills to good use.
Gemma explains more: “After my learners were put on furlough and BIL (Breaks in Learning) following the lockdown I had telephone conversations with them, checking on their wellbeing and plans to catch up on work and make their portfolios amazing. During these conversations, the Commis Chef apprentices told me that they were quite bored so I asked if they thought they might be able to volunteer their skills to help vulnerable people in the area. One Chef de Partie apprentice was already working with Foodwise in the Guildford area preparing free school meals for underprivileged children; Foodwise has so far prepared approximately 600 meals.
“After the learners had expressed to me that they were willing to volunteer, I contacted local charities and Portsmouth City Council to see if there were any projects that would benefit from their skills; I was put in touch with The Hive Portsmouth and the Victorious Festival organisers. I also used my industry connections and found The Duke of Buckingham Food Hub, who are preparing and delivering meals to the elderly and the vulnerable who cannot leave their houses due to the risk of infection. The Food Hub has prepared and delivered over 3,600 meals.
“The learners have now joined this team as well as the team at Landport Community Kitchen and Enable Ability, who cook and deliver free meals to the vulnerable and people with learning difficulties.
“Our learners have shown great resilience in these difficult times, recognising that their skills and knowledge are greatly needed in the community to help care for the increasing number of vulnerable people. These young chefs, by volunteering, have put their community first showing great spirit in times of need, I am incredibly proud of their efforts. I would also like to thank all those we are working with for all of their efforts and for including our learners in these projects.”