Jennifer Crocker has been promoted from trainee to apprentice for a two-year period at Beresford Street Kitchen (BSK) following a donation from Optimus Recruitment. The sum of £15,000 was donated by the recruitment agency last year, which was used specifically to provide Jennifer with this opportunity for increased work exposure and additional training.
Jennifer will now enjoy two years of increased responsibility working at the social enterprise’s café and at their catering outlet at the Jersey Police headquarters. During this time Jennifer will look to gain further hospitality qualifications at Highlands College to build up a record of achievement. The aim is that following her period as an apprentice, she will be ready for open employment or to become a full-time member of the BSK team.
Jennifer said: “I would like to stay on at BSK as long as I can as there’s nothing I don’t love about working here. I enjoy the variety of my day, meeting new people and getting to work at different locations. I have had a few jobs before coming to BSK, but this has been the best one because of the support they offer me.”
Gabby Ellmers, Managing Director at BSK, said: “Jen’s confidence has really grown during her time here and she’s been an asset to our front of house team, always willing to volunteer for any additional work. Whilst she was very deserving of this promotion, there is a cost associated with the training given to apprentices and we wouldn’t be able to offer these posts without the support and generosity of the public and our corporate partners. We are extremely grateful to Optimus for their donation and ongoing support of our venture as we continue to expand and diversify the services we offer.”
Alongside her role at BSK, Jennifer has many hobbies her favourite of which is sewing. She also creates artwork through Jersey Mencap, some of which can be found on display in the café.
Jamie Guyer, Managing Director of Optimus Recruitment, said: “I am delighted that our donation has meant that Jennifer has this opportunity to further her career in the hospitality industry. We strongly believe that there is a job out there to suit everyone and we are glad that Jennifer has found a good match in BSK.”
