The Apprentice

Well I have the best news. Early this week, I was offered, and gladly accepted, an apprenticeship at Ginger Catering at the National Arboretum Canberra. I interviewed during the week and had my first day today. At interview, I was made to feel so valued and it was really lovely to be recognised for my work history. I came home and cried because I was happy, but also because I had not felt so valued by an employer in a long long time. Thus a big reason why I've changed careers. I can't say enough how much I appreciated their confidence in me and I can only hope and pray I have what it takes to succeed in my chef dream.

I am absolutely overwhelmed to say the least and so happy to be given this opportunity. I never thought an apprenticeship would be a feasible option for me - for a bunch of reasons. Ginger Catering is one of the leading restaurants and venues in Canberra with a high profile chef with a fantastic career. For my international readers, an apprenticeship is a dedicated training program over 3-4 years which involves going to school but also undertaking focused training under a qualified chef. Apprenticeships are designed for the trades like electrician, plumbing, hairdressing etc. I will drop back to one day a week at school (from my current 3 days) but will be working the rest of the time. At the end, I will (all going well) finish with my trade certificate and the best training possible from Ginger. 

I did my first day today and it was fabulous. It was hard work but I did so many different things. The team are wonderful, friendly,  helpful and I have a good feeling already. I am going to work over the weekend as they have some functions and it will be good for me to see how things run. I will definitely be cancelling out Friday and Saturday's in my diary for the next 4 years but it's going to be an incredible journey. Many of you don't know that I joined the Air Force some 30 years ago as an apprentice technician. I never thought I'd ever be an apprentice again but here we are, back at start of new career that I hope will be as successful and rewarding as the last one (mostly was). 

Here's a blast from the past......from back then.......to now.

For the non-Canberra folks, the National Arboretum is a huge area of land that is home to thousands of trees. This is a beautiful place set upon the hills and is the prime venue for major functions, weddings and events in Canberra. So, my office view is pretty spectacular. A few years ago I spent my time doing training rides up and around the arboretum but now, I'm enjoying life in the beautiful village working with great food and great people.

Well just a quick update to share the news. You can easily google Ginger Catering and read about it and the Exec Chef and Owner. But please come out and visit the Arboretum one day on the weekend as I'm likely to be out back somewhere slicing and dicing away.

I was early to work this morning so took a quick drive around the arboretum and stopped to check out the view. For me, I took in the fresh air and view over Canberra and thought to myself that life is good, and just how lucky I am. It is also International Women's Day and that made today also a bit special. I also thought of my mum and my sister, and wished they were here to share this with me. So that's it for now, hopefully with me working and earning a little money, I'll be able to get back in the plane and continue my flying lessons. The props and tongs journey is on a roll.