Tipperary woman finds the right recipe to win national award

A commis chef who has been honoured at the national Apprentice Of The Year awards says she didn’t think she had “a hope in hell” of winning when she was nominated for the award.

Grace Nagle is one of 14 exceptional apprentices who have received a prestigious award from the National Apprenticeship Office, after a record 222 exceptional apprentices were nominated for an award across the island of Ireland.

Each of the 14 winners was awarded for their exceptional leadership, creativity, teamwork and problem-solving skills, which are prime attributes of a modern-day apprentice.

Originally from Fethard and now living in Ballypatrick, near Kilsheelan, Grace has worked in the catering department at Tipperary University Hospital for the past ten years.

Her first role was washing up and two years ago she availed of the opportunity to start a commis chef course with the Tipperary Education and Training Board (ETB) in Thurles, under tutor Fergal Phelan.

Grace will complete the course, which runs for two days each week, next month.

“I’m so delighted to have won the award, I cannot believe it,” she says.

“I feel that this course has given me confidence in myself and in my pastry skills. It has allowed me to explore new avenues within the hospitality sector and build a rewarding career”.

She says she is also grateful to her tutor Fergal Phelan for encouraging her to take on the apprenticeship at this point in her career.

A spokesperson for Tipperary University Hospital says “Grace is a leader, whether she believes it or not. She always makes sure everyone is well prepared for class and our exams and wants everyone to succeed and to be comfortable with what they are doing.

“Grace is hardworking, empathetic and a great communicator. When she is given a task, she takes charge and gets the job done swiftly and efficiently.

“She has embraced her creativity and everything she has learned throughout the course, and often takes it upon herself to practise at home, especially anything to do with pastry”.

Lanesboro, Longford native Hazel Johnston was announced as the overall winner of the national Apprentice of the Year title for 2023.

Simon Harris, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science congratulated all the apprentices who had won awards.

“Hazel, Grace and the many other female apprentices pursuing their dream careers across Ireland should act as an inspiration to others considering the path they want to take in life,” the Minister stated.