An alumnus has spoken of his journey from Richmond upon Thames College (RuTC) student to head chef.
Alfie Green studied Hospitality and Catering Level 1 at RuTC from September 2019. After graduating, he went straight into full-time work and even travelled to Australia, where he worked as a chef for a year.
Alfie currently works as a head chef at a pub in Farnborough, Hampshire, where he runs a small kitchen team of five staff.
How did your studies at RuTC prepare you for your role as head chef?
Alfie explained: “I was pushed to my limit when learning in the kitchen at Richmond and I would always listen to what the head chef would say to me. This has shaped me into the chef I am today as I have learned structure and discipline.
“I know first-hand that no other teachers push their students as hard as the teachers at RuTC. I was proud to be a student and I would love to have the chance to see my old teachers again and give advice to the new generation going into hospitality and catering.”
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in the hospitality industry?
Alfie said: “If this is the career you really want to pursue, then you have to be willing to sacrifice a lot, but the reward for it will be life-changing.
“You have to put in the hours and grind daily to aspire to be better than you ever could be. And one day you’ll be able to share your skills with the next generation.
"Being a chef is by far the most rewarding job and career I’ve been a part of.”
To find out more about how RuTC can help you fulfil your ambitions, please visit: Richmond upon Thames College.