The Awards aim to celebrate the skills, passion and expertise of the industry’s up and coming chefs. TJ joined the Sodexo Live! academy with Raymond Blanc in September 2022 and has since worked at a number of Sodexo Live! venues in London as well as joining the chef brigade at Royal Ascot.
TJ, who is looking to progress onto a Level 3 apprenticeship and hopes to move into event catering, said: “The apprenticeship has opened my eyes to wonderful opportunities and I want to travel the world, experience venues in different cities and pass on my knowledge to a new generation of chefs after me. My next career goal is to be one of the youngest head chefs in London and build a reputation in the industry.”
The Sodexo Live! academy, delivered in partnership with HIT Training, was set up with the aim of launching the next generation of chefs from the greater London area into rewarding careers in the kitchen.
Alexis Kennedy, human resources director at Sodexo Live! UK & Ireland, added: “We are committed to ensuring that each and every one of our team members feel like they belong, that they can act with purpose and thrive in their career.
“Apprenticeships are just one way we are supporting our people hone their skills so they can grow their career the way they want to. We are so proud of TJ receiving this award, since joining us he has become a valuable member of our culinary team and we look forward to supporting him in realising his ambitions, he is definitely a star of the future."