Gather and Savour celebrates Kilkenny talent and produce at KCETB Commis Chef Apprenticeship Capstone event

Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board (KCETB) hosted the Gather and Savour Commis Chef Apprenticeship Capstone Event at the KCETB Hospitality Academy in Gowran Park recently.

The event was a celebration of culinary excellence, local produce, and the achievements of talented commis chef apprentices.
The highlight of the event was a specially curated lunch menu showcasing the best of local produce from the South-East. Apprentice employers, mentors, and guests were treated to a display of culinary artistry, prepared by the apprentices under the guidance of their tutor Marcella Hughes.

KCETB Director of Further Education and Training Martha Bolger commended the apprentices and the collaboration with local employers.

“This event embodies the essence of what KCETB aims to achieve through its Statement of Strategy and its tagline ‘Flourish Through Learning’, which aligns so well to the apprenticeship programme of nurturing local talent, fostering creativity, and supporting the growth of key industries in our region,” she said.

“Through partnerships with employers like Avalon House Hotel, Lyrath Estate, and others, we are proud to equip the next generation of chefs with the skills they need to thrive in today’s competitive culinary world.”
KCETB commis chef apprentice tutor Marcella Hughes praised the apprentices for their work.

“The passion and commitment shown by our apprentices throughout this programme has been outstanding. Today’s event is a testament to their growth, their dedication, and their bright futures in the culinary industry,” she said.

“The programme includes opportunity to work internationally, for example, in Lyon, France, known as the World Capital of Gastronomy, through our strategic partnership with the Bocuse Restaurants and funded through the Erasmus programme. Recruitment is open for next programme and interest from employers is strong. We are looking forward to welcoming our next group of students in January 2025.”

The event highlighted the strong partnerships between KCETB, and local hospitality businesses committed to upskilling their staff through the commis chef apprenticeship programme. Employers working with KCETB include Avalon House Hotel (Castlecomer), Lyrath Estate Hotel, Mount Wolseley Hotel Spa & Golf Resort (Tullow), Sugar & Spice (Bunclody), and The Talbot Hotel (Clonmel).

KCETB continues to support local industry through its Further Education and Training division, by offering training and development opportunities that meet the evolving needs of businesses in Kilkenny, Carlow and the South-East. The commis chef apprenticeship is just one of many programmes designed to enhance skills and create a pathway for career advancement in hospitality and beyond.