Complain about a post

Hi murdrobe

I use the term sub-contracting to mean a working situation where you are not actually an employee of the employer, but that you do work for them on a regular basis while paying your own National Insurance and dealing with your own tax liability. Such an arrangement can be quite attractive to employers - however, you need to make sure you charge enough to cover all your costs and any tax liability.

I used the term 'theory' in a very general sense - I'm sure you completed various practical tasks in college.

There are three primary elements in training: knowledge; practical (manual) skills, and the emotional side of things - which includes attitude, motivation, self-image, self-confidence, etc.

Self-confidence comes from being sure of your knowledge and practical skills.

Trainers can be encouraging, say well done, etc, but the important bit is to make sure that people are sound in the knowledge of their subject; have the necessary manual skills, and have achieved some self-confidence by having had their knowledge and skills tested and found that they could respond to the challenge presented.

It is possible for someone to have good knowledge, and good practical skills, but to feel unsure about how they can respond when challenged and put under pressure.

Getting someone in touch with those three areas requires a sound knowledge of training and a little sensitivity in the right kind of situation.

From what you have written so far, I think you need to bring these three areas into balance so that you will be able to move on.

If you were working with some skilled chefs and with a good training co-ordinator over-seeing your progress, I think you will find you will discover your confidence. The shouting and balling that Gordon Ramsay produces for the TV screen has nothing to do with training - unfortunately some cooks may be more influenced by such TV drama than have any idea about how to train and develop a student.

I hope you will take the time to have a conversation with a good training co-ordinator. At 19 you have a great deal of time to do all sorts of things, but getting your foundation right is so important for your professional and personal development.

The LSC will advise you of local resources.