Chef Rhys in the running for VQ Learner of the Year Award
Chef Rhys Sinfield has a passion for food and learning
Chef Rhys Sinfield’s passion for food and creating succulent dishes alongside his record of achievement have been noticed by none other than Michael Roux Junior.
Studying at Bridgend College, he achieved City & Guilds diplomas in hospitality, professional cookery and food and beverage service on the Pathways to Apprenticeship programme before progressing to a BTEC level 3 diploma in hospitality and was quickly noticed by lecturers for his professionalism.
Now his learning journey has won him a place in the final of this year’s prestigious Vocational Qualification (VQ) Awards in Wales. He is one of six finalists in the running to become VQ Learner of the Year at the showpiece awards ceremony on June 4, VQ Day, at Coleg y Cymoedd, Nantgarw.
VQ Day is a national celebration of people who have achieved success in vocational education in Wales.
During his time at college, Rhys undertook placements at the Ryder Cup 2010, Cheltenham Gold Cup, St David’s Hotel and Spa in Cardiff, Henley Music Festival at Roux on the Riverside and Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa in Bath.
Michael Roux Junior was so impressed with him that he provided Rhys with one month’s work experience at La Gavroche in London. Following another week’s placement at the Michelin starred Lucknam Park Hotel, Rhys contacted executive head chef, Hywel Jones, to ask if he could return for more experience.
He impressed the team so much that he has now been employed full time at the hotel.
“He’s a dedicated individual who thrives on learning new skills and is able to use his own initiative when carrying out tasks,” said Hywel. “I was very impressed with his prior knowledge gained through the vocational qualifications undertaken.”
Rhys works in the Brasserie and on busy evenings assists in the Michelin starred Park restaurant.
“Rhys is an excellent team leader and leads by example,” said his lecturer at Bridgend College, Tracey Bond. “He has returned to college on his days off to assist BTEC Level 3 students to carry out themed events.”
The other VQ Learner of the Year finalists are Matthew Edwards, an apprentice butcher with S. A. Vaughan Family Butchers, Penyfford, near Chester who was nominated by Cambrian Training Company, Ashleigh Zeta Jones who was nominated by Bridgend College, Ebbi Ferguson who was nominated by Coleg Sir Gâr, Llanelli, Corey Nixon nominated by Gower College Swansea and St Clears nursery owner Emma Thomas who was nominated by City and County of Swansea Lifelong Learning and Employment Training Service.
Three companies – Hengoed Court care home, Swansea, domiciliary care provider Trusting Hands, Ebbw Vale and Village Bakery, Wrexham – will contest the VQ Employer of the Year Award.
VQ Day supports the aspiration that vocational qualifications, which are not just for young people, should achieve parity of esteem alongside other educational routes.
Learning providers across Wales are being encouraged to organise regional events to celebrate VQ Day and engage with learners of all ages. VQ Day and the VQ Awards are co-ordinated in Wales by ColegauCymru and the National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW) with the support of the Welsh Government and part funded by the European Social Fund.
Wales’ Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, Ken Skates, wished the nine finalists success on June 4. “Vocational Qualifications are the gold standard in professional excellence and we must ensure they are recognised alongside academic qualifications for their value to learners and the Welsh economy.
“Wales has a real wealth of talented and committed people who have excelled in their vocational studies and VQ Day is a chance for us to celebrate their achievements. A VQ award is more than just an award; it’s a symbol of dedication towards your chosen profession.”
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