Become A Chef For The Territorial Army

YOUNG MIDLANDS CHEFS CAN EARN MONEY, TRAVEL AND DEVELOP THEIR CAREER

Aspiring young chefs from across the Midlands keen to earn more money, learn new skills and travel the world are being urged to join the Territorial Army.

Catering students will be given the opportunity to develop their skills, advance their career, earn a minimum of £1,925 for five weeks’ work and travel the world by becoming a part-time trainee chef whilst continuing to study.

Local Territorial Army units across the West Midlands are currently recruiting chefs. Students are eligible for posts. As part of the training you will gain the equivalent of an NVQ level two qualification, learn how to cook for hundreds of soldiers in the field, meet new friends and test your new skills in challenging environments.

New recruits will spend two weeks on basic soldier skills at their local Midland unit and a further three weeks at the army’s specialist Catering Support Regiment, at Grantham, Lincolnshire. Training is on a flexible basis after college hours, during holidays and at weekends.

A special Army careers fair, Midlands Soldier, will be held at MOD Stafford (ST8 OAQ), between March 5 – 9, where TA chefs will be on hand to give catering students an insight into the role. Alternatively you could call your local unit or Army Careers Information Office. For more details on your local unit visit www.army.mod.uk and search under your county.

Lance Corporal Toni Williams is a student at the University of Birmingham where she is in the third year of her BA in social work.

“Becoming a TA chef is one of the best things I’ve done. Not only has it supported me throughout university but it’s also given me the opportunity to visit countries such as New York, Gibraltar and Kenya,” she said.

“Because the TA is part-time and very flexible it doesn’t impact on my studies or social life.”

Catering Support Regiment Adjutant at Grantham, Captain Jack Tarr, added: “Students will improve and increase their knowledge in the profession.

“Cooking in the military field gives you a completely different insight and skills set that will only add to your personal development and enhance your overall employment opportunities.”

Major Richard Courtney-Harris, TA West Midlands, said: “Being a chef in a restaurant is all well and good but imagine how rewarding and satisfying it would be to cook for people who really appreciate your cooking having spent an afternoon on exercise.

“There will always be a challenge waiting for you as a chef in the TA and you will become an integral part of a much larger team. As well as honing your catering skills in a completely unique environment, you’ll have the opportunity to try other things including learning basic soldier skills.”