‘I hope my story inspires others’ - Exeter College apprentice chef named national finalist

A former Exeter College apprentice, Roselle Wu, has been named a finalist in the Retail, Hospitality and Tourism category of the Multicultural Apprentice Awards 2025, recognising her achievements in catering and professional development. 

Originally from Hong Kong, Roselle began her Level 2 Commis Chef apprenticeship with Exeter College in September 2023 while working full-time at the Ministry of Defence Royal Marines Training Centre in Lympstone. 

With no prior experience in professional kitchens, she has worked alongside Michelin-starred chefs, represented her employer at major national events and earned several industry awards. 

During her apprenticeship with Compass Group, Roselle catered for more than 200 Royal Marine Officers daily. 

She introduced practical systems to improve kitchen operations, including a visual recipe guide to standardise deli service and improve training for colleagues.

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Her progress has been widely recognised. 

Earlier this year, Roselle was named Apprentice of the Year by the Craft Guild of Chefs, won Silver and Best in Class at the 2025 International Salon Culinaire, and placed second in Compass Group’s Apprentice Chef of the Year in 2024. 

She has also taken part in high-profile catering events such as Wimbledon, the Cheltenham Festival, and the Brit Awards.

Roselle said that the apprenticeship provided her with the structure and guidance she needed to build a new career after moving to the UK. “Exeter College built my foundational catering knowledge,” she said. “After just a few months, I was able to write recipes and understand how to manage a kitchen.”

She added: “For me, food isn’t just about flavour, it’s about storytelling. Cooking Asian food helps me stay connected to my roots and share a piece of my heritage with others. When I first arrived in the UK, I had to start again in a new country, a new culture and a new profession. The apprenticeship gave me the confidence to find my voice in the kitchen and to believe that I could build a meaningful career doing something I love.” 

Reflecting on her journey, “I hope my story inspires others, especially those who feel it’s too late to start again, to believe in themselves and follow their passion.” she said. 

“I hope my story inspires others, especially people from diverse backgrounds, to take that first step,” she added. “It’s never too late to start again. With the right support, determination and curiosity, you can transform your life.”

Roselle credited the college’s lecturers and apprenticeships team for their support. “They were so approachable and encouraging throughout my studies,” she said.

Roselle completed her apprenticeship in April 2025 with a Distinction, and she now hopes to progress to a Level 3 qualification. Alongside her work, she mentors young people through the Ted Wragg Junior Chef Academy, a ten-week programme introducing teenagers to professional cookery.

The Multicultural Apprentice Awards celebrate diversity and achievement across UK apprenticeships. Winners will be announced later this year.