Todd Lowndes named Young Apprentice of the Year 2010

Trainee chef Todd Lowndes has been named Young Apprentice of the Year 2010 by the National Apprenticeship Service at its annual awards.

Lowndes began his hospitality Young Apprenticeship in 2008 at the Grosvenor Pulford Hotel and Spa, where his first role was kitchen assistant. Since then he has worked in a number of hospitality and cookery roles, and won the opportunity to cook alongside Michelin-starred chef Raymond Blanc.

He said: "My main aim when I started this course was to complete it. I now realise that I want this to be my career and I feel very lucky to have this chance."

John Hayes, minister for further education, skills and lifelong learning, said: "Apprenticeships play a huge role in providing the skills we need to build an advanced economy. They help get young people into work and boost productivity and improve competitiveness."

The young chef was among eight winners at the awards ceremony, which took place at the Park Plaza Hotel in Westminster.

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By Janie Stamford

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