Talented chef proves a Modern Apprenticeship is the recipe for success
Award winning chef Oliver Welch turned his passion for cooking into a career with an apprenticeship.
He now plays a key role in developing menus and producing thousands of meals a week for high profile events, workplace dining areas, nurseries and schools.
The 20-year-old from Aberdeen overcame the challenges of dyslexia to thrive in the kitchen and represent catering firm Entier Services at a string of culinary competitions.
The former Old Meldrum Academy pupil said: “Choosing a Modern Apprenticeship was the best route into a career that I’m passionate about.
“I struggled in school because of my dyslexia so the hands-on style of learning with an apprenticeship suits me better.
“It can be hard when you first arrive in a busy kitchen, so seeing other people gain skills and confidence from the help I can give them feels rewarding.” Oliver completed his Modern Apprenticeship in Professional Cookery (SCQF Level 5) and has since progressed on to an apprenticeship at SCQF Level 6.
He has had a significant impact on the business by raising awareness of its Fresh Olive Chef Apprenticeships and sharing his journey to inspire other youngsters.
Having jumped at the chance to be mentored by National Chef of the Year 2025 Orry Shand, Oliver developed advanced craft skills, key employability skills like leadership, teamwork and self-discipline, and shows exceptional flair in the kitchen.
He supports core operations at the Central Production Unit by preparing and cooking large volumes of food to tight deadlines, while ensuring consistency and quality.
Oliver has become an essential part of the team that is regularly catering for high profile events, workplace dining areas, nurseries and schools.
And he contributes directly to the Entier’s continued growth and success by bringing creativity and innovation to menus and boosting the company’s reputation.
Oliver, who hopes to run his own restaurant, excelled well beyond his daily role to represent his company in culinary competitions at a national level.
His achievements include winning Scottish Young Chef of the Year 2025 and Best Dish at the National Young Chef of the Year competition 2025.
Modern Apprenticeships are working for Scotland, developed with employers to meet workforce demand. They are jobs open to anyone aged 16 and over who wants to work, learn and earn.
Modern Apprentices spend most of their time learning in the workplace while being supported by a learning provider, like a college, to gain an industry recognised qualification.
Entier Services Executive Chef Orry Shand said: “Oliver has grabbed opportunities with both hands and put in the extra work, going out foraging in his own time and staying behind to work on recipe development with myself and the head chef.
“Apprenticeships are a great way of investing in young people and giving back to the community. They are working for our company because they give us the opportunity to teach people the right way to do things – and help us to retain staff too.”
Hospitality Training General Manager Karen Black said: “Oliver is committed, always eager to learn and consistently works to improve himself and support his company’s ambition to be the best independent catering company in Scotland.”
Oliver’s dedication has led to him being a finalist in the Modern Apprentice of the Year SCQF Level 5 category at the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards in association with SP Energy Networks.
The awards take place on 26 February as the launch event for Scottish Apprenticeship Week (2 to 6 March). Find out more about the award finalists and the event by visiting apprenticeships.scot/awards.