Overall Rating
5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
my role combines hands-on learning in a professional kitchen with structured training at Exeter College one day a week. I work within a dynamic team at the Officers’ Mess at the Royal Marines Training Centre, supporting food preparation and service while constantly building my culinary skills and knowledge.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I love how practical and immersive the programme is. Working in a real kitchen environment every day allows me to apply what I learn at college straight away. It’s exciting to see my progress in real time — from starting with zero experience to confidently running sections and supporting events.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
When I started, I had never worked in a professional kitchen. Since then, I’ve learned how to navigate a fast-paced, high-pressure environment while meeting time-sensitive demands. As I’ve gained more experience, I’ve become more confident in my skills, more proactive during service.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The one-day-a-week college schedule is well-balanced with my work. It gives me time to focus on theory, skills development, and assessments in a classroom environment. My tutors and workplace mentors both communicate well with me and with each other, so I always know what’s expected and where I’m headed.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
My tutors and workplace mentors both create a clear and supportive structure around my learning. This consistent communication means I always know what’s expected of me, what areas I need to focus on, and how I’m progressing towards my goals. It gives me confidence in my development and helps me stay motivated
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
1. Regular Check-Ins and Reviews
My tutors stay in regular contact with me and my workplace mentors through structured progress reviews and informal catch-ups. These sessions help track my development, highlight strengths, and identify any areas that need improvement — all in a supportive and constructive way.
2. Accessible and Approachable Tutors
I always feel comfortable asking for help when I need it. My tutors are approachable, responsive, and genuinely invested in my success. Whether it’s answering questions between sessions or offering advice before assessments, they’re always there to guide me.
My tutors stay in regular contact with me and my workplace mentors through structured progress reviews and informal catch-ups. These sessions help track my development, highlight strengths, and identify any areas that need improvement — all in a supportive and constructive way.
2. Accessible and Approachable Tutors
I always feel comfortable asking for help when I need it. My tutors are approachable, responsive, and genuinely invested in my success. Whether it’s answering questions between sessions or offering advice before assessments, they’re always there to guide me.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
I feel that my qualification through my training provider has had a huge positive impact on my ability to perform better in my role. It’s not just about gaining knowledge — it’s about being able to apply that knowledge effectively in a real kitchen environment. Here’s how:
1. Strong Foundation in Core Skills
The qualification has helped me build a solid foundation in essential culinary techniques, food safety, and hygiene. I now approach tasks like prep, cooking, and plating with greater confidence and consistency, which directly improves the quality of the food I produce at work.
2. Better Understanding of Industry Standards
Through the training, I’ve developed a deeper understanding of how a professional kitchen operates — from managing stock and reducing waste to time management and working under pressure. This has helped me work more efficiently and contribute more meaningfully to the team.
1. Strong Foundation in Core Skills
The qualification has helped me build a solid foundation in essential culinary techniques, food safety, and hygiene. I now approach tasks like prep, cooking, and plating with greater confidence and consistency, which directly improves the quality of the food I produce at work.
2. Better Understanding of Industry Standards
Through the training, I’ve developed a deeper understanding of how a professional kitchen operates — from managing stock and reducing waste to time management and working under pressure. This has helped me work more efficiently and contribute more meaningfully to the team.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
1. Professional Networking and Events
I’ve had the opportunity to attend several high-profile events like Wimbledon (Rosewater Pavilion with Marcus Wareing), the Cheltenham Festival, and the Brit Awards. These experiences not only helped me build my skills under pressure but also allowed me to connect with chefs and professionals from across the industry.
2. Engagement Days and Masterclasses
Through Compass and my training provider, I’ve taken part in engagement days and small-group masterclasses with top chefs like Bryn Williams, Ollie Dabbous, and Dipna Anand. These sessions are an amazing way to learn new skills, explore different cuisines, and meet other apprentices from around the country.
3. Competitions
I’ve entered several competitions as part of my development, including the Compass Apprentice Chef of the Year, where I proudly placed as first runner-up. Also I won Best in Class in Salon Culinaire 2025 . These competitions push me to be creative and test my abilities under pressure — and they’ve been great for building confidence.
4. Junior Chef Academy
I’m currently involved in delivering the Junior Chef Academy, a ten-week cookery programme we run with Exeter College for local 15-year-olds. It’s not only rewarding but a great chance to mentor others, build leadership skills, and give back to the community.
I’ve had the opportunity to attend several high-profile events like Wimbledon (Rosewater Pavilion with Marcus Wareing), the Cheltenham Festival, and the Brit Awards. These experiences not only helped me build my skills under pressure but also allowed me to connect with chefs and professionals from across the industry.
2. Engagement Days and Masterclasses
Through Compass and my training provider, I’ve taken part in engagement days and small-group masterclasses with top chefs like Bryn Williams, Ollie Dabbous, and Dipna Anand. These sessions are an amazing way to learn new skills, explore different cuisines, and meet other apprentices from around the country.
3. Competitions
I’ve entered several competitions as part of my development, including the Compass Apprentice Chef of the Year, where I proudly placed as first runner-up. Also I won Best in Class in Salon Culinaire 2025 . These competitions push me to be creative and test my abilities under pressure — and they’ve been great for building confidence.
4. Junior Chef Academy
I’m currently involved in delivering the Junior Chef Academy, a ten-week cookery programme we run with Exeter College for local 15-year-olds. It’s not only rewarding but a great chance to mentor others, build leadership skills, and give back to the community.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Compass group to a friend?
Yes
Why?
For anyone starting out, like I did, Compass offers a structured path with plenty of learning opportunities. But it’s also great for those looking to take the next step, with progression routes into more senior roles and specialisations.From day one, I’ve been encouraged to challenge myself — whether that’s taking part in national competitions, working at major events like Wimbledon, or supporting new initiatives like the Junior Chef Academy. It’s clear that Compass invests in its people and wants them to succeed.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Compass group?
Join as many activities and opportunities as you can — they make a huge difference to your experience and development. Whether it’s masterclasses, competitions, large-scale events, or community projects like the Junior Chef Academy, these extras help you grow your skills, build confidence, and connect with others in the industry. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone — the more you put in, the more you’ll get out of your time with Compass.
