A PAST student of The Bournemouth and Poole College has achieved culinary success and is now the Group Executive Chef at London’s Duck & Waffle.

Daniel Doherty graduated from the Specialised Chef Scholarship, a three-year advanced apprenticeship, in 2003 and has since received many culinary achievements and has been honoured in the form of prestigious awards and accolades within the catering industry.

He has now become a chef mentor for the Bournemouth and Poole College and is working with two Specialised Chef apprentices, along with three fellow graduates including Executive Chef Tom Cenci.

The Bournemouth and Poole College is the largest apprenticeship provider in Dorset and manages the course in partnership with the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts.

Daniel, 32, relocated from Shropshire and enrolled onto the Specialised Chef Scholarship in 2000 aged 16. He was chosen to train as a Chef Apprentice at the Michelin starred 1 Lombard Street in London.

Following 1 Lombard Street, Daniel worked in a number of London restaurants such as Roux Fine Dining, The Ambassador and The Empress until he accepted the role of Executive Chef of the 24 hour Duck & Waffle restaurant in 2012.

During his time at Duck & Waffle Daniel was presented with the 2013 Tatler Restaurant Rising Star Chef Award and later became a member of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts, making him one of the youngest members to date.

He said: ‘"When it came to applying for the Specialised Chef scholarship at The Bournemouth and Poole College, it seemed like a truly unique opportunity. For a young aspiring chef the course did not compare to any other courses I explored.

"What drew me to the programme was the fact it was the first apprenticeship to be established in association with of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts.

"I would encourage anyone who is thinking about applying for the Specialised Chef Scholarship at The Bournemouth and Poole College to fully believe in themselves and just go for it. The Academy is widely recognised as the premier association of chefs, and training received is therefore of the highest standard.’"

Nick Harris, Director of Learning for Service Industries at the college, said: "We are very proud of what Daniel has achieved since his time with us. He is the perfect example of what students are capable of achieving if you have the confidence and determination to do so.

‘"This is why we’re pleased to be able to offer a diverse range of apprenticeships to enable the students of The Bournemouth and Poole College to achieve their chosen careers.’’

For more information about the Specialised Chef scholarship go to thecollege.co.uk/what-to-study/curriculum-areas/hospitality-and-catering/specialised-chefs-scholarship .