A BRADFORD College student has landed a dream job at one of the world’s most prestigious hotels.

Olivia Johnston, a catering student at the college, is set to start working as a commis chef at The Dorchester in London – an internationally-renowned hotel frequented by the rich and famous, which boasts five restaurants and Michelin-starred menus.

The 18-year-old was offered a permanent position following a week-long work placement in the kitchens of the luxurious celebrity haunt.

The teen, from the Bolton area of Bradford, who has just completed a Level 3 Professional Cookery course, said: “It is an amazing opportunity and I can’t wait to start.

“The placement was a real eye-opener. It is like nowhere I had ever seen or been before. The kitchens are so big they have elevators in.

“I learned a lot of refinement and detail and how to do things to the very highest standard and quality. But I didn’t feel out of my depth. My training at college has prepared me well.

“I have always dreamed of being a chef so getting this position as my first job is a real dream come true. It also goes to show how important work experience is.”

Olivia’s work placement opportunity came up as a result of an inter-college catering competition in Jersey earlier this year. She was part of a Bradford College team of students that competed against trainee chefs from top catering colleges in London and Jersey in a restaurant-running contest. She will move to London next month to start her job.

Executive chef at The Dorchester, Henry Brosi, was on the judging panel for the contest and invited students from the competing colleges to spend a week in his establishment.

Paul Johnson, catering lecturer at Bradford College, said: “As a student Olivia is motivated, dedicated and is a leader in the making, She is a natural talent with a grounded mindset.

“I can’t think of a better ambassador to demonstrate what Bradford College is made of.

“It takes true dedication and sacrifice to survive in the best kitchens in the world and Olivia has that.

“Seeing students succeed like this is what makes the job worthwhile.”

Bradford College offers a wide variety of catering and hospitality courses. For more details, visit the website or attend the next open day on Saturday, July 1.