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

A new BBC NI series following apprentice chefs at Belfast Metropolitan College begins tonight.
By Graeme Cousins
Published 28th Oct 2020, 15:39 BST
Updated 28th Oct 2020, 16:27 BST
Andrew Wasson, Ryan Laverty and Luke Collins who feature in Wee Chef!Andrew Wasson, Ryan Laverty and Luke Collins who feature in Wee Chef!
Andrew Wasson, Ryan Laverty and Luke Collins who feature in Wee Chef!

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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Former 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.

Professional Cookery students Ryan Laverty and Luke Collins who feature in Wee Chef! (C) Erica Starling for BBC NIProfessional Cookery students Ryan Laverty and Luke Collins who feature in Wee Chef! (C) Erica Starling for BBC NI
Professional Cookery students Ryan Laverty and Luke Collins who feature in Wee Chef! (C) Erica Starling for BBC NI

“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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“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.

Related topics:BBCMichelinBelfast