AN ASPIRING chef has spread his wings to master his culinary skills outside his native Italy.
From a diverse selection of European countries brimming with tasty traditions, Akela Nevelli, decided to follow the footsteps of his grandmother, who lives in Stratford, and recommended the catering training provided by Stratford College.
The 21 year-old further secured an advanced apprenticeship in professional cookery at the restaurant No 9 Church Street, under the mentoring of chef, Wayne Thomson – himself a catering graduate of Stratford College.
Akela counts himself extremely fortunate to have Wayne as his mentor, who has competed in many prestigious culinary competitions with much success.
Akela said: “The apprenticeship has allowed me to develop the practical skills to work as a chef and, as the course is so closely linked to my work with Wayne, I feel that my skills and understanding have developed far faster than if I had just taken a full-or part-time course.”
Wayne was pleased to offer Akela the chance to sharpen his kitchen skills.
He added: “I’m passionate about offering opportunities to young chefs like Akela because it offers him the chance to develop commis chef’s skills from scratch.”
Visit www.stratford.ac.uk for further details of courses offered at Stratford College.
