A young chef from Ellesmere Port has been revealed as one of the top apprentices in Britain by the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS).
Todd Lowndes, who has recently secured employment to progress on to full apprenticeship at the Grosvenor Pulford Hotel and Spa, is one of 24 talented apprentices and their employers to be named as finalists in this year's National Apprenticeship Awards.
The 16-year-old represented his college at the Real Food Show at Earls Court in May, alongside celebrity chef Raymond Blanc and said that his ambition is to become a head chef and run a busy kitchen of his own.
He added: "I love cooking and feel really lucky that I have got a head start forging a career in an area I am passionate about through my Apprenticeship. I know for sure that I want to be a chef and really value the experience in the kitchens I've gained so far."
The awards shortlist came shortly after the Government's announcement that the number of apprenticeship places available is to be boosted by 50,000.
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, boost productivity and improve competitiveness.
"That is why we have created 50,000 additional Apprenticeship places."
The Awards, organised by the NAS, will take place on 15 July in London. For more information visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk or by call 08000 150 600.
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By Janie Stamford
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