An aspiring young cook is already working towards his dream of becoming the country’s youngest head chef as one of four Gordon Ramsay apprentices working while he studies in a University of West London (UWL) partnership.

Ray-Jay Forde-Richardson is already learning from top chefs at the Gordon Ramsay group’s Bread Street Kitchen after being selected as one of four students on the UWL Chef Apprenticeship programme.

Spending four days a week in the restaurant, and a day at university in Ealing, the teenager said despite enjoying school, he knew he needed to follow his passions in the kitchen and is now working hard to become a head chef and eventually own his own restaurants.

Ray-Jay, who lives in Camberwell, said:

I have always wanted to be a chef. I have grown up watching my mother cook, and from a young age I was fascinated by what she was doing and how different ingredients could make something so delicious.

Although I liked school, I knew cooking is what I wanted to do so this is an ideal path for me to continue my education and do what I love.

It is quite a surreal experience to be here in such amazing kitchens learning from such talented chefs. I have learnt a lot in six months and am just doing the best I can. I have been so lucky to have had a chance to do this and would encourage anyone to look into a different route into education. There is not just one way to study and if you know what you want to do then go for it.

James Edmunds, Dean of the London Geller College of Hospitality and Tourism, said:

We are incredibly proud of our apprenticeship with the Gordon Ramsay group as we offer training and support to some of the best chefs and hospitality experts of tomorrow. All of these students are working incredibly hard and we look forward to what they can achieve as they continue their education.

The University takes on more than 300 higher and degree apprentices each year, helping people train and upskill in business, healthcare and academic sectors – as well as helping young people get a foot on the career ladder while they study.