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One of the first trainee chefs to secure a place on a college’s inundated apprenticeship scheme is busy and enjoying her job.

Danielle Mathieson was successful in the interview process to gain a place as an apprentice in professional cookery with Furness College. The 20-year-old, of Dalton, applied for one of eight apprenticeship places advertised by college through Love Business Careers and Opportunities.

Miss Mathieson was taken on by Clarence House Country Hotel and Restaurant. The trainee chefs earn a wage and learn valuable skills on the job. From the start of the year Miss Mathieson has been working four days a week and then training at college one day a week. Miss Mathieson had previously worked in administration and was looking for work before applying for an apprenticeship.

She said: “My mum saw the advert in the Evening Mail and I rang the college. I had an interview with college and Clarence House and I got the apprenticeship. I have always enjoyed cooking and I’m really enjoying working at Clarence House, it’s really good. I’ve liked doing everything, I like working on the desserts. I’m looking forward to going to college.”

Darren Comish, head chef at Clarence House, said: “Danielle is good and is very keen to learn, she has fitted in well.”

The college ended up offering around 10 apprenticeships in professional cookery at businesses in South Cumbria. People who enquired about the catering apprenticeships who did not make it to the interview stage were given advice from the college about other courses and apprenticeships.

Photo: Copyright Northwest Evening Mail