A Pembrokeshire College learner is proving that stepping out of your comfort zone can spark a lifelong career after overcoming intense heat and self-doubt to thrive in Culinary Arts skills competitions.
When Heidi Askew, a Hospitality student from Pembrokeshire College, first considered entering the WorldSkills UK Culinary Arts competition, it wasn’t just the technical skills that felt daunting, it was the prospect of stepping into high-pressure, unfamiliar environments.
"I decided to get involved in the skills competition because I wanted to challenge myself and gain valuable experience outside of the classroom," Heidi admits. "For my first competition, which was held in Cardiff during a summer heatwave, I experienced a real mixture of emotions. I was excited to be taking part, but I was also quite nervous. The conditions were challenging, with the competition taking place in the kitchens where the heat was even more intense."
Rather than let the heat and pressure derail her, Heidi focused entirely on the tasks ahead. Overcoming an initial lack of confidence, she adopted a disciplined approach grounded in repetition and thorough preparation, repeatedly running through the competition brief until pressure began to fade.
Reflecting on her progress, Heidi credits her tutor, Chris Price, for playing a pivotal role in her journey. "My tutor, Chris, has been incredibly supportive throughout my competition journey. He has dedicated a great deal of his own time to help me prepare, working with me repeatedly on the competition tasks and helping me refine my skills through practice and constructive feedback. Honestly, without his support, I would have been far less organised and much less confident going into the competitions."
Alongside developing her technical skills, time management and kitchen organisation, the competitions have strengthened Heidi's ambition to become a professional chef.
Looking back at how far she has come as she prepares to compete again in the WorldSkills UK competition this November, Heidi offers encouraging words to other learners considering taking the leap: "My advice to anyone who is thinking about getting involved but feels nervous is to just go for it. It is completely normal to feel anxious or unsure at first... but taking part was one of the best decisions I have made. Skills competitions give you the opportunity to challenge yourself, learn new skills, and gain experiences that you simply cannot get in the classroom. You never know what you can achieve until you give yourself the chance."
Heidi’s story highlights the aims of the Inspiring Skills Excellence in Wales project, demonstrating how vocational competitions help young people across Wales build confidence, develop practical skills and prepare for their future careers. By challenging themselves in realistic, high-pressure environments, learners can strengthen their abilities, gain valuable experience and discover new opportunities within their chosen industries.
For more information about skills competitions in Wales and how to get involved, visit https://inspiringskills.gov.wales/