New BBC NI series follows young chefs as they start off on road to Michelin stars


The new two-part series ‘Wee Chef!’ features a group of 16 to 19-year-old students taking part in a professional cookery apprenticeship.
Under the watchful eye of their tutors and a number of industry professionals, the trainees get to learn the basics at college while also experiencing the heat of a real life kitchen.
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Hide AdFormer Ashfield Boys student Ryan Laverty, 18, from east Belfast, said: “My goal is to own my own restaurant some day and make it successful and have a great team of chefs behind me and make hospitality great again in Belfast. My biggest dream would be to have a Michelin star.


“I managed to stay focused during lockdown by just experimenting in the house and cooking different meals each day and developing my skills. I just kept saying to myself, ‘this is what I want to do, this is my dream’.”
Luke Collins, 17, from Hillsborough, said: “If you’re thinking about becoming a professional chef but you’re not 100% into it then there’s no point – it’s an all or nothing career. I’d recommend reading lots of cookbooks and research stuff online.
“I decided to pursue a career in professional cookery because I really liked cooking at home and had a bit of experience working one day a week in a kitchen.
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Hide Ad“My ultimate goal would be to open a deli or café selling products that I’ve made myself, as well as other local Northern Irish produce.”
Course co-ordinator Andrew Wasson said: “When working with apprentices, it’s about finding that balance between ensuring they get the invaluable skills and knowledge they need to become a competent chef, while also holding down a position in a professional kitchen.
“We are now in the seventh year of our apprenticeship programme at Belfast Metropolitan College. Seeing the apprentices move into full-time employment as a chef at the end of it is the most rewarding part for me.”
Episode 1 of ‘Wee Chef!’ is on BBC One NI tonight at 10.45pm and episode two will be on Wednesday, November 2 at 10.45pm.