DCG Success Stories

Waitressing at a Duffield golf club restaurant while in sixth form led to a change of career direction for Derby College Group apprentice chef Tilly Shakespeare. 

Tilly, now 18, wasn’t enjoying A-levels, so when she was offered a level 2 apprenticeship by Fairways at Chevin head chef Tom Gaskin – himself a former DCG apprentice – she jumped at the chance. 

She said: “I didn’t always plan to go into catering. I studied food tech at school and I’m interested in sports nutrition – I’m big into sport – but hadn’t got a career plan as such. 

“My dad’s a great home cook. He makes all our family meals including some fancy stuff so I’ve always been around good food.” 

After being taught the kitchen basics such as knife skills, Tilly started her level 2 production chef course and will shortly progress to level 3. 

She added: “I love working at the Chevin. I like that we get to learn new techniques and have the freedom to experiment and try new things. I work with such a nice group of people; we all get on well. 

“I also loved my level 2 course. Andy, my College assessor, is so helpful. He’s always only a phone call away and I know that he will come out to see me at work if I need him.” 

Tilly does a ‘bit of everything’ in her job but making desserts is what she enjoys most.  

When she first started, she thought she’d like her own restaurant but her dream now is to have her own patisserie. Pastry dishes – especially ones using choux pastry – are among her favourites to make. 

During her level 2, Tilly also got work experience at a large local manufacturer which mass produces desserts for some of the UK’s major food retailers.