GetMyFirstJob Ambassador
Hello, I Am Madun
I have always wanted to serve in the military, and I have always had a passion for cooking. When I decided to join up, I found out the RAF offers an apprenticeship.
Tell us more about your experience
Can you describe your job and what you do on a day-to-day basis?
In the MESS (Kitchen/Dinner), we are required to prepare and cook meals for the day, completing due diligence food safety paperwork, assisting the head chef with food ordering and stock checks, running the server, maintaining food temperature checks and serving customers. We also do Field Kitchen Operations for Military exercises or operations where we must build a fully functioning tented Kitchen/Dinner, where we can carry out all our duties as military operational chefs, making sure all the troops are feed with their daily dietary requirements throughout the exercise or operation.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Completing and graduating both military basic training and phase 2 training, Winning the Best Student Award. Being part of the RAF Field Gun Crew, competing at the International Salon Culinaire representing my base RAF Brize.
What has been the biggest challenge of your career so far?
Moving away from home, leaving family and friends behind and Adapting to a new way of life and culture was not easy. Also, last minute increase in feeding numbers.
What sort of support network do you have at your company?
Everyone from the management down to my work colleagues has been supportive. We do also have general dedicated support networks outside of my department who are always reachable and accessible to everyone that needs any help, support or advice.
What will happen at the end of your apprenticeship and have you discussed this with your employer?
Once I finish my apprenticeship next month, I should receive my full level 2 Production Chef qualifications and get promoted plus a pay rise. I should also be eligible for a senior chef course in the next two years.
What would be your words of advice to someone thinking about doing an apprenticeship?
Embarking on an apprenticeship can be very valuable and rewarding experience. Firstly, do your research and think wisely if it`s something you want to do or if it`s the right organisation for you, based on what apprenticeship programs they offer which can lead to your career development. The RAF Apprenticeship scheme has been perfect for me so far, offering me a great military career qualification for free, whilst getting paid for it in the process, It`s a no brainier really!