Samuel's Story

Samuel Bull

Chef de Partie Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard (RACA)

A flair for food

For Samuel, securing the prestigious RACA Apprenticeship is the culmination of years of hard work.

He discovered his flair for all things culinary while helping in the kitchen as a child, and there was little doubt which direction his career would take: “My school introduced me to University College Birmingham and it was a bit of a no-brainer to apply,” he said.

“I was impressed, and knew not many colleges around the country had these facilities and this expertise.”

While studying, Samuel became aware of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts (RACA) Apprenticeship and was enthused by the fact he’d able to work with top professionals while continuing to study.

For the on-the-job side of the apprenticeship, he secured a role at Adam's restaurant in Birmingham, which is Michelin-starred and has three coveted AA Rosettes.

“It’s been great," he said. "To work in a Michelin-starred restaurant while learning my trade, all while being paid for it.”

Samuel is focused on passing his exams, but he knows the course has the potential to open many doors: “There’s so much to learn at Adam’s but who knows? One day I might be looking at other Michelin-starred restaurants across the UK, and even abroad,” he said.

“The apprenticeship and University College Birmingham have given me the tools to grab these opportunities with both hands.”

Read other student stories