Harry Sandy, Connor Gutsell and Luke Nobbs - part of a team who have gained apprenticeships with West Suffolk College
West Suffolk College is celebrating a five-year partnership with the catering department at West Suffolk Hospital.
The deal has seen a variety of chefs gain a qualifications through West Suffolk College.
Currently three of the hospitality team have successfully completed their apprenticeship programmes with the educational establishment.
Whilst studying on their programme, two of the chefs (Harry Sandy and Connor Gutsell) came fourth in a national competition to find England’s top NHS chef.
Harry and Connor also got to cook at the House of Commons as part of a celebration relating to the 75th anniversary of the NHS.
And former head chef Luke Nobbs – who has just been given a senior role as an assistant catering services manager having started out as a pot washer – thinks apprenticeships are the way forward.
Luke, 38, from Bury, will now help oversee recruitment at the hospital in Bury – and because of his experiences both working with and studying as an apprentice, he plans to continue to continue to support these qualifications in his new role.
He said: “I fell in love with the ambience of the kitchen and an apprenticeship has given me the opportunity to develop myself. Most recently I completed a level five course (that is equivalent to degree) and the flexibility of learning makes apprenticeships a great initiative.
“It can take you to places you didn’t know existed and every business should consider taken on an apprentice. My new position will involve recruitment, so I’ll definitely be looking to bring in more apprentices in the future.”
“I’ve now been able to pass on what I know to Harry and Connor and it’s great to be able to see them grow.”
Harry, 23, from Great Welnetham has just completed his qualification, has become a cook at the hospital and was quick to praise the process. Harry said: “It (apprenticeships) is better than school and better than university – you don’t get debt, you get paid, you learn from others and you get to take part in competitions that improve you.”
“The college has been great as well – we see them twice a week, they give you extra support and they have helped me progress.”
Connor Gutsell, 25, from Bury St Edmunds is also a cook who won an award from West Suffolk College earlier this year where he was crowned hospitality trainee of the year at an annual college awards ceremony.
Connor said: “That event was a lovely evening and I’m glad I chose an apprenticeship – it’s a great way to start out and develop your skills.
“The best thing for me during the process was cooking at the House of Commons and representing the hospital in a national finals to find the top NHS chef in the country. I came fifth in 2023 and fourth in 2024. The whole experience helped elevate me.”
In addition to the five year link with the catering department, West Suffolk College, that is part of the Eastern Education Group, has worked with other areas of the NHS Trust in Bury for over 15 years – including a recent programme that supported learners on T Level courses.
Catering services manager at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust Vanessa Theobald said: “I am so proud of the achievements of Luke and all our apprentices, they have worked very hard to get to the end of their courses. Sometimes they have had to overcome complications such as staffing and of course the pandemic. They have always managed to produce good work both within the kitchen and for their courses.”
Graham Long is a Programme Manager in Business Management at West Suffolk College. Graham said: “We are delighted to have such a strong link with the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust. They do so much important work in the community and we are proud to work alongside them. Seeing apprentices like Luke and others benefit so much from the programme, really help show how successful you can be if you put the work in and commit to this pathway.”