Chichester College Apprentices Showcase Elite Culinary Talent in Chef Competition  

Andrei Gabor and Tomaz Kata, two chef apprentices from the college, recently impressed judges at the Hall & Woodhouse Chef Apprentice of the Year competition.  

The competition, held at Blandford Forum in Dorset, challenged the six participating chefs across several disciplines, as well as a comprehensive culinary quiz.  

The day opened with a classical skills task, where competitors were asked to recreate a stuffed saddle of lamb and demonstrate a range of precise chicken cuts and preparation methods. Each dish was judged on technique, accuracy, and presentation. 

Chefs then faced a 90‑minute challenge to create a signature main course using a selection of provided ingredients, supplemented by any ingredients they chose to bring with them. This allowed the apprentices to showcase their personal style and flair.  

The competition concluded with a comprehensive culinary quiz that covered kitchen practices at Hall & Woodhouse, broader culinary knowledge, and questions about renowned chefs and their iconic dishes.  

Helen Loftus, Principal of Chichester College, said:  
“We are incredibly proud of our apprentices and the professionalism they demonstrated throughout this competition.   

“Opportunities like this not only test their technical skills but also build their confidence and creativity. Andrei and Tomaz represented the college brilliantly, and their success is a testament to their hard work and the dedication of our teaching team.” 

To find out more about the Catering & Hospitality courses available at the college, please click here.