A chef's journey back to the kitchen

After years of running his own kitchen, Andy Scott, a talented chef faced a life-altering crisis. The pressures of work and personal life culminated in a breakdown and a heart attack, forcing him to step away from the career he loved. As time passed and he focused on recovery, he was referred to the Restart Scheme, due to his extended time out of employment. 

“When Andy joined my caseload, he wasn’t in a good place. Things were difficult personally and professionally, but from day one, he showed a can-do attitude and a genuine willingness to engage,” said Shantelle Thornhill, Triage Employment Adviser. “He availed of every opportunity offered whether it was bitesize training to help with transferrable skills, or sessions around building confidence and resilience – Andy was ready for a fresh start.”  

“Together, we worked on developing his job search skills and I introduced him to alternative job search platforms, including Facebook groups, and helped him write a new CV that reflected his experience and potential. I taught him how to craft cover letters and, most importantly, how to use speculative letters to open doors that weren't yet advertised. He listened, learned, and applied these skills with enthusiasm.” 

“Andy was a pleasure to support, and his positive outlook made him a joy to work with. Everyone who met him felt the same; his energy was infectious, and his determination to find the positives meant he was never kept down for long.”

Having been burned in the past, Andy was reluctant to return to the kitchen; it simply felt too daunting. However, an opportunity came up at The Ship Inn in Saltburn and we shared his CV. The team were enamoured with Andy’s passion and energy and offered him a role as a line cook. 

“Andy has embraced being part of a team rather than leading one and the positive changes in his life have been felt both professionally and personally. He’s even been named as Employee of the Month,” said Shantelle. 

“The Ship Inn are giving local talent an opportunity to create careers, and Andy isn’t the first Restart/ Triage participants to find employment here,” concluded Shantelle. “While onsite, a woman approached us keen to share her own experience. Her Triage adviser Alison, helped her into her role at The Ship and as a single mother, she explained this opportunity has been life changing, offering her stability, confidence and a renewed sense of purpose.”