Meet David Armour - A Kibble Success Story

Just over a year ago David Armour was unemployed.  But now he is in full time employment and his list of achievements includes gaining an SVQ Level 2 in Professional Cookery, working towards his SVQ Level 3, and working in a five-star hotel in Abu Dhabi.

In June 2010, David started working for Kibble as part of the KibblePLUS youth training and employment scheme for unemployed 18-24 year-olds.  David began working in our Secure Unit kitchen as a Trainee Cook under the watchful eye of Catering Trainer, Carol McMath.  Carol could see from the outset that David had a natural ability for catering, noting that he definitely does have a lot of potential.

“David was so shy, but he isn’t like that anymore…he’s just a pleasure to be around” Carol McMath, Oct 2011

As a 16 year-old, David enrolled in college to study Hospitality.  After successfully completing this year-long course, he worked within the food franchises of Glasgow Airport and, for two years, prepared food for the whole airport.

He had been unemployed for six months before embarking as a participant on the KibblePLUS project.  With a background and interest in catering, he was really happy to get the job: ‘I was looking for catering jobs and was lucky enough to get the job’.

Looking back, Carol fondly remembers this shy boy starting in her kitchen who used to keep one hand in his pocket as he brushed the floor and ‘didn’t like coming in serving [food] – that was a hardship for him’.  Now he is a very confident young chef who has really come out of his shell since he started.

“David has a great enthusiasm for the job and you can’t teach enthusiasm. He has a natural ability in the kitchen and our job is to draw that ability out of him” Donald Munro, Aug 2011

A combination of natural talent, hard work and support from Carol and Executive Chef, Donald Munro, enabled David to complete his SVQ 2 in Professional Cookery within five months.  David was delighted to achieve this and was even more delighted when his assessor nominated him for the Modern Apprenticeship of the Year award: ‘It was an honour’.

In September 2011, David flew out to Abu Dhabi with Kibble Executive Chef, Donald Munro for a ‘trip of a lifetime’, as he describes it, to work at the luxurious five-star Beach Rotana hotel.  Along with another chef, Stewart Jarvie, Donald and David cooked for guests in the hotel’s Finz fine dining restaurant during a week-long Scottish food promotion.

“I’ve only got good things to say about him.  I’m really, really pleased with him” Carol McMath, Aug 2010

David is currently still working within the Secure Unit kitchen at Kibble Education and Care Centre and is working towards his SVQ 3 in Professional Cookery.  He was lucky enough to cover some of the modules for this qualification whilst in Abu Dhabi – an opportunity and experience outwith the reach of most young chefs.

Referring to these positive changes throughout the past year, David commented, “I’m glad I came to Kibble”

“Our aim is to prepare young people for the world of work and give them a chance to make a positive contribution to society.  David’s chance to work in a top-class restaurant in Abu Dhabi is exactly the kind of opportunity we try to create for young people.” Graham Bell, CEO, Kibble Education and Care Centre, 2011

Read the Paisley Daily Express article about David here