Chandarani was initially nervous about entering a new and unfamiliar work environment, and the early start was going to be a challenge, however she has had a really warm welcome from the Restaurant Associates team at Thomson Reuters.  In the Flavour Gateway kitchen we can already see the impact of her mentoring as her working practices improve along with the growth of her menu repertoire. She is clearly benefitting from each section of the kitchen she spends time in, and each procedure/technique that Garo and the team are able to show her.

As she describes above, Chandarani has already learnt an enormous amount through the placement which she is using to improve how we operate at Flavour Gateway.  On a number of occasions since she has made comments starting “at Thomson Reuters they...”  One example is setting out a display plate of the Dish of the Day in our cafe so that customers can see what they are ordering.  Her experience has also given her new ideas about how to minimise wastage in the kitchen, which is of fantastic value to our business.

The placement is also helping Chandarani to grow in confidence in her role at Flavour Gateway.  Her excitement about preparing lunch for Garo in her next session is a good indication of their working relationship.

The placement will clearly be of great value to other Flavour Gateway Trainees.

 

Farjana Yesmin is one of the apprentices working at the cafe. She said: "The homely environment and supportive staff at City Gateway have encouraged me to achieve better qualifications in English and Maths.

"The apprenticeship scheme has improved my employability and for this I am very appreciative."

Noor Nehar - Apprentice

Fellow worker and apprentice Noor Naher added: "Working at City Gateway has introduced me to a lot of new people and I have made some very good friends here.

"It has also increased my level of confidence and my skills in catering. "My experience here has encouraged me to pursue my own catering company in the very near future.

"If it was not for City Gateway I would not have had the motivation or skills to pursue this new dream of mine."