Winning streak and a job after college for two student chefs

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Two professional cookery students at The Manchester College have enjoyed a string of successes in competitions, most recently winning the UK Young Seafood Chef of the Year trophy. Chelsea Taylor and Danielle Heron have also been offered jobs in a top restaurant after they leave college in July.

Hard work, dedication and a supportive tutor at The Manchester College have been key, according to Chelsea, 18, and Danielle, 19. The students were offered jobs at the Villa Country House Hotel after showing impressive dedication and teamwork at a competition earlier this year.

Chelsea and Danielle competed as a team at the UK Young Seafood Chef of the Year competition, held in Grimsby. Their winning menu included a take on kedgeree with smoked salmon, quails eggs and curry oil, scallop with spring pea textures and mint, and lemon sole with artichoke, potato fondant and mushroom essence. The judges also commented on their excellent teamwork.

Danielle says: ‘The atmosphere was a little bit tense but we were really relaxed. You get calmer and calmer the more you compete.’

Chelsea and Danielle became good friends after taking part in competitions together. Both are so dedicated that they come to college at 6.30am every day to practice.

The placement was the first time I’d ever been to London. I’ve been to a lot of places this year because of competitions, like Grimsby, Scotland and Blackpool.

Competitions and work placements have given the girls an opportunity to travel around the UK and meet students from other regions. Chelsea said: ‘The placement was the first time I’d ever been to London. I’ve been to a lot of places this year because of competitions, like Grimsby, Scotland and Blackpool.’

Chelsea and Danielle say that their tutor, Andy Macleod, has offered a huge amount of support and encouragement. Chelsea wasn’t sure she wanted to take part in competitions at first, but Andy helped her overcome her fears. Chelsea said: ‘Andy didn’t want me to quit because he knew I had potential.’

If you work hard and dedicate yourself you’ll get the most out of it.

When asked what advice she’d give future students Danielle said: ‘If you work hard and dedicate yourself you’ll get the most out of it. Always ask for more jobs, don’t just slack off in the corner! You’ll get to learn more.’ Chelsea advises students to enjoy the course as well as working hard.

Chelsea has won Lancashire Young Student Chef of the Year with Danielle assisting her. Danielle will be competing in the final of Essential Cuisine North West Young Chef of the Year in June.

What next? Are you keen on a career in catering? Find out abut Chelsea and Danielle’s course, VRQ2 Diploma in Professional Cookery, or find out about other courses in hospitality and catering.