Douglas Mackenzie, Young People Are Great campaign

Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Scotland’s Young People are Great campaign starts today (Monday 6 June).  This campaign aims to highlight the key achievements and resilience of young people across Scotland.
 
The campaign will run throughout the week, and each day we will be sharing case studies here from local young people who have achieved success in education, training, volunteering or working.
 
In the first of our case studies, we hear from Douglas Mackenzie who is a Chef-De-Partie at the St Ola Hotel. Douglas tells us about his recent NC in Professional Cookery qualification which he gained at Orkney College UHI. 

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​Tell us about your current job role or qualification.
In my current job role, I contribute to all aspects of the kitchen, everything from starters to desserts on any given night I will be solely responsible for any given section. In my NC Professional Cookery course, I pushed myself to be the best student I could be and to learn as much as possible.
 
What were you doing before you undertook your current job or qualification, and why did you decide to move on to what you are currently doing?
I started as a dishwasher at the Ola Hotel in 2018 and worked my way up the ranks with help from the chefs I have worked with.  I enjoyed cooking at home, so decided to hopefully take it to a professional level, starting on pots as all chefs do.
 
Have you faced any challenges in your current role, if so what were they and how did you overcome them?
I have faced many challenges in this industry but have always tried to find a way to take these challenges head-on and find a solution.  I feel as though these situations have bettered my ability.
 
What skills have you learnt whilst achieving your qualification or working in your job?
My work has taught me to work as a team and has made me strive for perfection in all aspects of the job.  Working in a close small team has helped me develop close bonds with my co-workers.
 
Would you recommend this course or job role to another young person and if so why?
I would highly recommend that anyone interested in the industry gets involved early, puts their head down and works hard for what they want.  Also that anyone wishing to better their abilities sees what Orkney College has to offer.
 
We would love to share more stories of success from local young people.  If you know anyone aged 16-25 years who has achieved success in education, training, volunteering or employment, they can take part in the Young People are Great campaign throughout the week.  Details of how to take part can be found here.