Martin Hollis

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Martin Hollis, Executive Chef at The Old Course Hotel, St Andrews

What attracted you to become a Chef and dedicate your career to hospitality?

When I was younger I enjoyed cooking and seeing the pleasure of my efforts being enjoyed by family and became interested as to what you could create with the ingredients I had, and where they came from, and what seasonal produce could be grown in the garden and created from it. When I left school I went to college to learn the basics, then joined a 5 star hotel where it was like being an apprentice, and I was taught how to respect ingredients and cook them properly, and this has been with me ever since then, I was taught and mentored by the best chefs in the country I have never looked back as my learning journey was instilled at an early age and it has taken me around the world learning wherever I have been.

Why did you want to become involved in an apprenticeship in Professional Cookery?

I wanted to be involved in the apprenticeship program so young aspiring chefs can be given the opportunity I had, and hopefully give them the inspiration and skills to achieve many great things. I am now in a privileged position where I can nurture talent and give young chefs the opportunity to learn, help them achieve skills and qualifications.

How does an apprenticeship help an aspiring chef start their career?

An apprenticeship is a fantastic opportunity to learn the skills and underpinning knowledge that a chef needs, they will be exposed to a wide range of skills, ingredients and techniques, in a safe working environment. It will give them the opportunity to be assessed and have a recognised qualification that will open many doors in their future career.

The best thing about being a chef?

The best thing about being a chef is being creative and being able to take raw ingredients and turn them into a pleasurable eating experience, you will also meet many different people from around the world who will inspire and show you many new things.

One piece of advice you would give someone commencing a career in cooking?

It is one of the most rewarding careers that you can have, no two days are the same there will always be challenges, that you overcome and you get the satisfaction knowing that you have created something and given someone a memorable experience.