Alex Michell, 18 from Chacewater near Truro, and Tomas Pavilonis, 27 from Camborne, have both started working part-time for renowned chef Nathan Outlaw at his two Michelin-starred restaurant housed in the St Enodoc Hotel in Rock, north Cornwall.
Tomas, who is currently studying the Professional Cookery Diploma (Kitchen & Larder) VRQ3 course, and one of the first cohort of Academy Nathan Outlaw students at Cornwall College Camborne, was offered a commis chef position in Nathan’s kitchens after completing his work placement there last October.
Tomas said: “It’s not an easy job, but I’m really enjoying it. So far, I’ve worked on cold starters, hot starters and now I’m working on the pastry section. I’m trying to learn as much as I can. Basically you need to know everything in a kitchen these days, so the more you know, the better you are!
“Working for Nathan is great. He’s so knowledgeable and he’s seen so much. He invites a lot of other brilliant chefs to the restaurant to give masterclasses, like top pastry chef Claire Clarke and celebrity chef Valentine Warner, and we actually get to work with them, which is amazing!”
Nathan said: “Tomas showed a great deal of skill and passion for cookery when he worked in my kitchens, which really impressed me. This, combined with his strong work ethic, was the reason I offered him a job.”
Alex, who is currently studying the Food & Beverage Service Supervision VRQ Level 3 at Cornwall College Camborne, was offered a position in Nathan’s front of house team at Restaurant Nathan Outlaw, after serving Nathan’s table during a lunchtime service at Trevenson Restaurant on campus.
Alex said: “I didn’t expect Nathan to approach my tutors, so I was surprised and pleased! I’m really enjoying it and Nathan’s been great.
“The restaurant is nice and modern, the other staff are helpful and I get to meet lots of different people, including the cast and crew from ITV’s ‘Doc Martin’! I also have to try some of the dishes too, so I can learn about them. The food is amazing, so it’s a definite perk of the job!”
Nathan said: “Alex has a great personality and a real enthusiasm for the industry, which are two key qualities you need to work in a front of house role. He’s also a hard worker and has a lot of skill and potential, all of which impressed me enough to invite him to come and work for me.”
Following completion of their studies this summer, both students plan to begin working for Nathan on a full-time basis at his restaurant in Rock.
Nathan commented: “I’m really pleased I’ve employed Alex and Tomas, because I think they both have a lot of potential and will go far in this industry. I already employ eight apprentices and former students from Cornwall College, and I value the strong link I have with the College to be able to offer these opportunities to such high-calibre individuals.”
Stuart Mathieson, Head of Hospitality at Cornwall College Camborne, said: “We’re very proud that Alex and Tomas have been employed by Nathan and that they had the opportunity to impress him through his connection with Cornwall College. Not only does this demonstrate the strong links we have with employers and industry, but also the high standard of teaching and the quality of courses at the College which suitably prepare our students to gain employment, even before they leave us! I’d like to congratulate both students and thank Nathan for giving them a fantastic opportunity.”
