A Keswick School student landed a dream placement at top Lake District restaurants, thanks to a unique Cumbrian scheme.
Kate McMinn, who is in year 12, spent three days at celebrity chef Simon Rogan’s Henrock in Windermere and the two Michelin starred L’Enclume in Cartmel thanks to Dream Placement, run by the Centre for Leadership Performance.
Dream Placement offers 16 to 18-year-olds the opportunity to work with some of the most successful businesses in the county.
Because of COVID-19, Kate met representatives from host companies and take part in activities over virtual meetings.
Kate said: “After we met all of the host companies we had the interview stage where we would be assigned to two or three companies that we were interested in. I had my interviews with Simon Rogan – L’Enclume and Trudy Harrison MP.
“Not long after these interviews, I received a call informing me that I had secured a week’s placement with Simon Rogan.
My placement week took place in the May half term.”
Kate spent three days at the Michelin Plate restaurant Henrock, where she worked alongside executive pastry chef David Oliver and the other chefs, helping create afternoon teas.
“Later on in the week I worked at L’Enclume.
“I was assigned to the pastry kitchen by Paul Burgalieres in which I helped make the desserts for the 16 course taster menu including their signature dish, the Anvil.
“I got to try multiple dishes off the menu and even had a go handpicking wild garlic.
I thoroughly enjoyed my Dream Placement experience and am considering going into that line of work in the future.
“I also believe it built up my confidence massively and would recommend dream placement to anyone my age who’s looking for experience in the workplace.”
