Craig is a Commis Chef at The Stirling Highland Hotel. At the end of his DFN Project SEARCH programme in June 2024, Craig was hired as a Kitchen Porter where he helped with some food prep and worked the dishwasher. He has been in his new role since January 2025, after being approached by the Head Chef.
Craig Valentine
DFN Project SEARCH Graduate
Craig Says:
“I am a Commis Chef and cook for customers. I’ve got my own section – cook chips, sea bass garnish, potatoes and mussels, and Tayam soup.
I work 11.30am to 9.30pm, four days a week. Sometimes I get extra shifts. There are sometimes 4 chefs, and sometimes 3; it is good working in a team and good working with everyone.
The best thing is the people I work with. We get a laugh and help each other. When it is too busy, I can lose track of what I am doing but there is always someone around and I can ask for help. ”
Craig is happy where he is now. He says the support from the staff on programme, and the work experience was good and helped him get a job out of it.
He describes himself as ‘a lot more enthusiastic,’ and that there has been a ‘big change in his confidence’. He now travels independently on the bus and has his own money.
I am really happy in the kitchen full time. Before starting Project SEARCH, I was sitting in the house and it was boring.