Tuesday 22 June 2021

Back in October Kate McMinn (Year 12 student at Keswick School) signed up for Dream Placement. Dream Placement is a unique Cumbrian project which is run by the CfLP (Centre for Leadership Programme).

Back in October Kate McMinn (Year 12 student at Keswick School) signed up for Dream Placement. Dream Placement is a unique Cumbrian project which is run by the CfLP (Centre for Leadership Programme) where they help 16-18 year olds secure a work placement with some of the most successful businesses in the country.

Because of Covid-19, she had to join weekly virtual calls where she met different host companies such as Cumbria LEP, Simon Rogan - L’enclume, Allerdale Borough Council and many more. Kate also had sessions where she would get to know other students on the dream placement scheme and build up confidence by answering questions and doing group activities .

“After we met all of the host companies we had the interview stage where we would be assigned to 2 to 3 companies that we were interested in. I had my interviews with Simon Rogan - L’enclume and Trudy Harrison MP. Not long after these interviews, I received a call informing me that I had secured a week's placement with Simon Rogan L’enclume. My placement week took place in the May/June half term.”

Kate spent 3 days at the Michelin star restaurant called Henrock at Windermere where she worked alongside executive pastry chef David Oliver and the other chefs. She assisted with making afternoon teas that consisted of various different cakes, scones and deserts.

“Later on in the week I worked at L’enclume (Cartmel) which is a restaurant with two Michelin stars. I was assigned to the pastry kitchen again by Paul Burgalieres in which I helped make the desserts for the 16 course taster menu including their signature dish the ‘anvil’. I got to try multiple dishes off the menu and even go hand picking wild garlic.

I thoroughly enjoyed my Dream Placement experience and am considering going into that line of work in the future. I also believe it built up my confidence massively and would recommend dream placement to anyone my age who’s looking for experience in the workplace.”