Every apprenticeship journey begins in a different place, but the outcome often shares a familiar pattern — greater confidence, stronger skills, and a clearer sense of what’s possible.

In this case study, we meet Brendan Lalley, who chose the Production Chef Apprenticeship Programme to develop, progress, and take on new challenges. Their story shows how the right support, structure, and guidance can help people grow — not just in their role, but in the direction they want their future to go.

Can you tell us a bit about your current role and what you do day to day?

I am currently a General Assistant (GA). My general role now is to prep and prepare any an all dishes for the salad and deli bars.

What was your background before starting your apprenticeship?

Before working at Muller I spent a lot of my hospitality career in Hotels and pub-restaurants, working front of house.

What made you decide to start an apprenticeship?

A few weeks into my job I became very involved when being trained by Ray and instantly wanted to learn more, develop my skills and better myself in my job and as a person.

How did you hear about PLG?

Through my management team.

What were you hoping to achieve when you first started?

I wanted to develop as a person and gain the skills and knowledge for my future

What have you enjoyed most about the apprenticeship?

I have enjoyed the later months where I can dive deeper into the cooking side of the course, prepping dishes for plating styles, creating menus for seasons. It gives me a sense of independence and accomplishment

What new skills or knowledge have you developed?

My knife skills have developed amazingly and continue to do so. I am also starting to trust my own palate a lot more when it comes to tasting my dishes.

Have there been any challenges along the way? How did you overcome them?

Most of my challenges occur with the written coursework, I stress myself out not knowing what to write and then panic that I’m going to fall behind. I always take a step back ask my team for guidance and break things down bit by bit.

How have your trainer and PLG supported you?

My trainer helps when we have our meetings, I tend to have a rant about the stresses of work and she always talks me out of it and gives me structured feedback on how I can avoid those stresses and what to put in place to help others in the team.

How has the apprenticeship helped you in your role?

I have really developed confidence and independence when it comes to prepping my sections. It has helped give me more of an understanding how a kitchen operates and how my food should be presented and taste.

Have you noticed any changes in your confidence, skills or responsibilities?

I have grown so much as a person in a short space of time, I no longer walk into work stressing about the daily job list. My knife skills are improving everyday and with feedback from my team I know that I am doing a lot better and getting all the jobs I am responsible for completed efficiently.

What’s been your proudest achievement so far?

My Halloween menu. I created a whole menu for the week (for the salad bar) made every dish and dressings that matched myself, by the end of the week there was very little waste compared to normal and many customers told me how much they enjoyed it, with all the different flavours. Though it was hard work to get everything done in just a few hours, it really paid off. 

What are your plans after completing the programme?

I want to see where I am at by the end of this course, a lot can change in a year. After the course I may decide to stay on and go on to the senior chef course. My ultimate goal is to return to Hotel work.

Would you recommend an apprenticeship with PLG to others? Why?

100% it is the perfect opportunity to develop in your career and as a person. To learn new skills and knowledge of your role, not just for the job you’re in now but for where you can go in your future and apply those skills and knowledge.

If you could sum up your experience with PLG in one sentence, what would you say?

They have really helped me grow as a person.