Budding chefs for national showcase

Five apprentices from Cavan and Monaghan ETB are exhibited their skills and compete at the Commis Chef Apprenticeship Showcase yesterday (Wednesday, February 7).

Organised by the Kerry Education and Training Board (ETB) in collaboration with the Irish Hotel Federation and industry stakeholders, the event takes place at the Great Southern Hotel. It serves not just as a competition but as a unique platform to address the pressing hospitality staff crisis facing the region.

The showcase will witness apprentices from nine Education and Training Boards (ETBs) across Ireland taking part in live cookery and display competitions.

Among the highlights are guest speakers Mike Tweedie, Head Chef of the Oak Room in Adare Manor, and Eddie Attwell, Head Chef of Eccles Hotel Glengarriff and formerly St Kyrans Country House, Virginia .

A panel discussion featuring culinary leaders John Drummond, Brendan Byrne, Emer Corridan, and Odhran Lucey will also underscore the importance of mentoring and training the next generation of chefs.

Michelle Marron, Commis Chef Apprenticeship, Programme Manager, CMETB, believes it is an opportunity for Cavan and Monaghan to “carve its mark on the culinary map and actively contribute to addressing challenges within the industry.”