Ben Donkin

The college is fantastic, the tutors are always there to help, and you will learn useful skills for the industry, and you will have fun while learning.

What did you enjoy about studying at Kendal College?

I began at Kendal College on the Level 2 Diploma in Professional Cookery; I did this for one year and then went on to my second year and did the NVQ3 pasty. During my first year I was able to build on my basic skills that you would need to industry with the support and guidance of the tutors, then I progressed into my second year were I went to do pastry as this was part of the hospitality sector I was interested in here I was able to start learning skills with chocolate making and sugar work along with baking and dessert making. During my time at college I was also part of the culinary team which I got the opportunity to go to Porto on a trip to the vineyards there, the experience was amazing and something that I will never forget. Being at college gave me practical skills for the industry but also gave me so much more self confidence this was because you were treated like a young adult and were taught to think for yourself. The college is fantastic, the tutors are always there to help, and you will learn useful skills for the industry, and you will have fun while learning. Hopefully one day I will be able to have my own business.

What have you been up to since finishing your studies with us?

After finishing two years of college, I was offered a full-time job a L'Enclume. My career started at L’Enclume when I was 16 doing some part-time work. I was there for 8 years in total. I started as a Commis Chef, then worked my way to Chef De Partie, whilst learning the other different sections. After this, I moved up to Sous Chef and then up to the First-Floor café as Head Chef.

After L'Enclume I moved to The Drunken Duck, where I was one of the Sous Chefs. I learned how to work with people, delegate and how to create, cost and evolve dishes for the menu. Next, I moved to the café at Lakeland. I now manage for Lakeland and have been able use all of the skills I have learnt through college and my career and help to support other members of staff.

What do you enjoy most about your current role?

"My job involved developing the menu and the daily running of the kitchen. I enjoy the flexible hours, the freedom to create food and working with other people. Some of the skills that I developed at college, which have helped me in my current role are: being able to work within a team, listening to other people's ideas and being able to work under pressure.

What advice would you give potential students thinking of coming to college/working in Hospitality?

Anyone thinking of going to Kendal college should the tutors and the facilities are amazing- they are always want to get the best out of all the student and have time for them. If there was anything I would say to someone starting their career in hospitality, it would be to ask questions because there is never a stupid question. This way you can learn if you are unsure about anything.