Meet Strathcarron Hospice’s first catering apprentice Jodie!

 "It made me feel really happy to see them bonding together over the food and to see what I had made had made them happy and been part of that.”

Jodie attended a careers event at Denny High School and chatted with hospice staff about future opportunities.

A keen cook and baker who got an A for her National 5 Home Economics, Jodie was invited to try a half a day of work experience in Strathcarron’s kitchen and cafe.

The teenager impressed staff so much that she was offered an apprenticeship in Strathcarron’s kitchen when she turned 16.

Jodie said: “I didn’t want to do the work experience at first as I was nervous about being at the Hospice, but it’s been the best thing I could have done.

“It was so unexpected when they contacted me about the job! It felt really good to be picked for the position.

“There is a great atmosphere here, which surprises some people when I say that - I love it. The people at Strathcarron are really friendly.

“I have found it challenging at times going along the ward when I have to take orders from the patients as it can be sad sometimes, but knowing you are helping people is good.”

Jodie has worked under the mentorship of Catering Manager Kim and senior kitchen staff, whilst she completes a Diploma in Professional Cooking.

Jodie said: “I have really enjoyed the experience so far and learned a lot in the last few months, including about the varying dietary needs of patients and how we can help support them. It’s a big responsibility as we have to be careful to tailor it to their needs.

"One day I baked scones and everyone was saying how good they were – that was a nice feeling.

"Another day there was a patient and his wee boy sitting in the café eating macaroni together that I had cooked. It made me feel really happy to see them bonding together over the food and to see what I had cooked had made them happy and been part of that.”