A student who took a leap of faith to study at University College Birmingham is bound for Brazil having brought a top trophy back to her adopted home.

Amber Clay swapped the beach vibes of Cornwall and then rural Tewkesbury for the UK’s second city of Birmingham less than a year ago - but the move paid off as she lifted the prestigious Nestlé Toque d’Or 2023.

And it means a once-in-a-lifetime culinary trip to Brazil, sampling high-end gastronomy through to street food, and learning about sustainability on a bean-to-cup journey with the world’s biggest coffee producer.

It was just last September that Amber enrolled on the Professional Chef FdA course at the University, having completed her NVQ qualifications in Gloucestershire.

Coming to Birmingham was a big step for the teenager, who has autism, and it was not without its challenges, notably being away from family.

“This makes us even more proud of her achievements,” said Amber’s year manager, chef lecturer Mat Shropshall, who mentored her through the competition.

Finding her people

Amber undertook additional sessions to practise for the competition, but also found time during the year to support the University as a group representative and ambassador – as well as joining the jujitsu society.

“My flatmate suggested it. They are a really nice group and it has helped me gain confidence,” said Amber, who went on to compete in a national competition in April, winning silver in her category.

She admits student life has been “crazy”. “I am not an academic, so it’s been weird doing essays and theory,” she said. “I am a hands-on person, but it’s been good for me.

“I have been working in kitchens since I was 16 and I wanted time to be a student – time to make friends, join societies and find other hobbies – time to find my personality outside the kitchen.”

She was drawn to University College Birmingham by the variety of courses on offer and having a whole department dedicated to food. It’s location was good for Amber too as she dislikes noisy environments and can avoid the busier areas of the city if she wants to.

“Autism can make day to day life difficult, but it works to my advantage in the kitchen,” said Amber, now 20. “I can be hyper focused and dedicate all my attention to a task.”

So it proved in the Nestlé Toque d’Or competition.