AGXStarseed
Well-Known Member
(Not written by me)
A YOUNG chef who won over the hearts of the nation on a television show has secured a job in the kitchen of a top hotel.
Ben Whitehouse, 29, who has Aspergers syndrome, was one of the young stars of Channel Four show Kitchen Impossible, starring Michelle Roux Junior, which aired in the autumn.
The chef took eight unemployed young people with disabilities through a gruelling catering course.
Mr Whitehouse is now celebrating after landing a permanent role at Hollins Hall Marriott Hotel and Country Club. He has secured a place in the hotel's food and beverage team following his involvement in the four-part show.
Having originally thought he would like to work in the kitchen, Mr Whitehouse soon found his natural people-skills were perfect for a front-of-house role.
Ben, who lives close to Hollins Hall, just outside Baildon, has always admired the hotel and described working there as a ‘dream’.
With the confidence of Michel Roux Jr’s training, Ben applied for a role in the food and beverage team and his energy, can-do attitude and friendly personality instantly impressed,
He first found his passion for cooking when he was introduced to FoodWorks, part of SupportWorks, which provides a range of services and opportunities for people with learning disabilities.
The organisation, which runs a catering facility at the Kala Sangam arts centre in Bradford, helped him expand his culinary knowledge it has also helped him to develop his social skills.
When the Channel Four team behind Kitchen Impossible was seeking candidates for its programme, it approached FoodWorks, who then put Mr Whitehouse forward after recognising his enthusiasm for food.
In the final episode viewers saw his excitement and passion for hospitality.
He said: "Taking part in this show has changed my life. From learning new skills to meeting people from all over the world, the show has given me the confidence to believe in myself and know that I can achieve my goals. I never thought I’d be able to work for a hotel like Hollins Hall, it really is a dream job."
And while the show was airing the aspiring chef even got to appear on This Morning with the celebrity chef.
Deborah Vickers, area director of Human Resources for Marriott International, UK and Ireland, said: "We are delighted to have been part of such a fantastic show that raises important issues about youth unemployment in the UK. Kitchen Impossible mirrors our own goals of helping young people into employment through skills training and creating job opportunities.
"Our associates are our most valued asset and we are very pleased to welcome Ben to the Marriott family."
SOURCE: http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co....the_nation_s_support_lands_Baildon_hotel_job/
A YOUNG chef who won over the hearts of the nation on a television show has secured a job in the kitchen of a top hotel.
Ben Whitehouse, 29, who has Aspergers syndrome, was one of the young stars of Channel Four show Kitchen Impossible, starring Michelle Roux Junior, which aired in the autumn.
The chef took eight unemployed young people with disabilities through a gruelling catering course.
Mr Whitehouse is now celebrating after landing a permanent role at Hollins Hall Marriott Hotel and Country Club. He has secured a place in the hotel's food and beverage team following his involvement in the four-part show.
Having originally thought he would like to work in the kitchen, Mr Whitehouse soon found his natural people-skills were perfect for a front-of-house role.
Ben, who lives close to Hollins Hall, just outside Baildon, has always admired the hotel and described working there as a ‘dream’.
With the confidence of Michel Roux Jr’s training, Ben applied for a role in the food and beverage team and his energy, can-do attitude and friendly personality instantly impressed,
He first found his passion for cooking when he was introduced to FoodWorks, part of SupportWorks, which provides a range of services and opportunities for people with learning disabilities.
The organisation, which runs a catering facility at the Kala Sangam arts centre in Bradford, helped him expand his culinary knowledge it has also helped him to develop his social skills.
When the Channel Four team behind Kitchen Impossible was seeking candidates for its programme, it approached FoodWorks, who then put Mr Whitehouse forward after recognising his enthusiasm for food.
In the final episode viewers saw his excitement and passion for hospitality.
He said: "Taking part in this show has changed my life. From learning new skills to meeting people from all over the world, the show has given me the confidence to believe in myself and know that I can achieve my goals. I never thought I’d be able to work for a hotel like Hollins Hall, it really is a dream job."
And while the show was airing the aspiring chef even got to appear on This Morning with the celebrity chef.
Deborah Vickers, area director of Human Resources for Marriott International, UK and Ireland, said: "We are delighted to have been part of such a fantastic show that raises important issues about youth unemployment in the UK. Kitchen Impossible mirrors our own goals of helping young people into employment through skills training and creating job opportunities.
"Our associates are our most valued asset and we are very pleased to welcome Ben to the Marriott family."
SOURCE: http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co....the_nation_s_support_lands_Baildon_hotel_job/
