Josh: Working towards my dream as a chef

8 February 2023

Josh has wanted to be a chef since he was thirteen, so was thrilled to be placed as an apprentice in Minstead Lodge’s kitchen last year. Josh has been assisting with the sourcing of ingredients and production of jams and chutneys for one of Minstead Trust’s social enterprises. He also regularly helps with all food prep alongside Head Chef, Andy.

When we spoke to Josh, he told us: ‘I like being an apprentice. I’ve wanted to be a chef since I was thirteen years old and I would love to be a chef in the future. I love the job here [at Minstead Lodge] and the fact we got nominated for an award at the New Forest business brilliance awards but unfortunately we didn’t win’.

Josh is on Minstead Trust’s supported apprenticeship programme, one of our work and training programmes for people with learning disabilities, autism and other additional needs. The apprenticeship programme, delivered in partnership with Smart Training and Recruitment, takes on a blended learning approach of in-person and virtual learning. Our apprentices take on paid roles and learn a combination of customer service and functional skills over a period of 12 to 18 months.

Hear more from Josh on why he loves his job as a chef, and is looking forward to the future: Josh: Loving my job as a chef

You can find out about some of our other apprentices here: Apprenticeship stories | Minstead Trust