Care UK recognised for supporting the next generation of chefs

Colleagues from across Care UK have congratulated Hotel Services Manager Dan Phillpott after his successful award win last week, garnering national recognition for his work.

Dan was presented with the Training and Apprenticeship Award last Thursday at the Public Sector Catering Awards ceremony.

Jon Bicknell, Director of Food and Hotel Services, said: "This award is a celebration of Dan's hard work and passion for developing the skills and abilities of others. He has worked as a chef for Care UK and embodies the opportunities that great training provides. We are incredibly proud of his involvement in Care UK’s Chef Academy apprenticeship scheme and look forward to seeing what comes next."

The Chef Academy was created in 2020, as the Hotel Services team believed, despite restrictions, that it was still important to continue delivering apprenticeships and working with colleagues to develop their careers.

Dan worked closely with the training provider Lifetime Training to come up with an online version of the apprenticeship programme, aimed at kitchen assistants or trainee chefs, which would allow them to perfect their food preparation skills and cookery methods virtually.

Care UK was one of the first care organisations to work with a training provider to launch a Chef Academy. There are now over 50 colleagues currently on programme, and a over 45 colleagues who have previously gained their Production Chef Level 2 or Senior Production Chef Level 3 qualifications.

The course was adapted again after lockdown to create a mix between online learning and in-person masterclasses across the country. Dan was a huge part of these further developments, which has made the Chef Academy what it is today

Dan is familiar with helping others learn and grow, as before joining Care UK, he worked as an NVQ trainer and assessor, giving him a unique understanding of the apprenticeship process. 

Prior to this, he also worked for a local charity doing volunteer work at youth clubs, supporting young people who were experiencing homelessness or had family trouble to learn vital cooking skills. 

Dan delivered cooking courses, teaching young people how to cook everything from an omelette to fresh burgers and cake on a budget. He found this experience rewarding, and it undoubtedly informed his career trajectory. 

Since receiving the award, Dan said: “I feel incredibly proud to receive an industry recognised award. It has made me feel like the work and support I put in is really valued.”

One apprentice who he recalls started at Care UK as a host was promoted to a kitchen assistant and joined the Chef Academy, making their way through levels 2, 3 and 4. Now, she is a head chef at Care UK – and she was even a finalist for a National Association of Care Catering award and a finalist in Care UK’s in-house Chef of the Year competition.

Helping colleagues to develop their careers and go from strength to strength gives Dan a real sense of achievement, and he feels humbled that he can support them and give them the opportunity to find a fulfilling career.