A former Stratford-upon-Avon College apprentice has stepped into the role of Executive Chef at local favourite MOR Bakery & Kitchen – and she’s celebrating her roots by welcoming apprentices of her own.
Tara Moreton-Archibald started her first apprenticeship with the college at the age of 26, completing a L2 Commis Chef qualification before moving onto the L3 Chef de Partie apprenticeship; training which has set her up for a hugely successful career.
After working for MOR Bakery previously as Head Chef, then moving to Nancy’s Kitchen and even running away with the circus for a little while, Tara has now returned to MOR Bakery as it expands to MOR Bakery & Kitchen, with a second location opening on Henley Street.
Tara is delighted to be offering apprenticeship opportunities: “The community has helped MOR grow to what it is! It supported us through so much (a pandemic!) and offering to train others through apprenticeships, it allows us to give back. Plus, without apprenticeships, I wouldn’t be where I am today, apprenticeships are a great way to discover a new career option.”
She details why apprenticeships are so important in the industry: “This industry just isn’t talked about in education. And it is so exciting, you can learn about food and nutrition in a hands-on way, not in a classroom. And the joy is, you will always be learning.”
She adds: “Plus we want an environment that encourages dialogue, so we can continue to develop and grow as a company and apprenticeships allow us to work with new people, learn from them and get a fresh perspective. It allows the apprentices to have an input; to learn they have a voice, that they can have an impact as they train. It’s a fantastic collaboration.”
MORs is looking at offering apprenticeships using the Level 2 Production Chef and the Level 3 Senior Production Chef for the kitchen staff, and the Level 2 Food and Beverage Team member, with the option of progressing onto a Level 3 Hospitality Supervisors program for the front of house team.
MORs are also discussing launching a range of level 4 and 5 apprenticeship programs for its management team and also specialist bakery and patisserie short courses for its bakery unit: “We are wanting to grow as a company so welcoming in fresh faces is a wonderful part of that. Working with the College is amazing as they are incredibly supportive, so we are excited for all the opportunities ahead.”
Business Development Manager, Bryan Anderson, is delighted to be working with Tara and MOR Bakery & Kitchen: “It’s fantastic to be working with Tara again; she’s such an excellent example of how an apprenticeship can change the direction of a candidate’s career and lead to a management position early in one’s career. MOR is a fast-growing company and understands that growing its own talent is a proven way to ensure its team has the right skills. This means that any apprentice working for MOR will receive the right support to achieve, especially as Tara has achieved distinctions for both her apprenticeships.”
He also details why apprenticeships are particularly useful in the hospitality industry: “The balance of skills development and hands-on experience works especially well in hospitality, as demonstrated by Tara. This can help candidates progress their careers faster than someone who has pursued a more traditional academic route.”
So contact us, to find out MOR!
