AN aspiring chef has an appetite for success after gaining a placement in Inverclyde alongside an experienced chef from Brazil.

Patrick Robertson, 22, who is originally from the United States but now lives in Wemyss Bay, has been taken on at The View restaurant at Cloch Caravan Park

He jumped at the chance after being taken on by owner Craig McClure through the UK Government's Kickstart scheme.

Craig said he was approached by Kevin Millar of Workforce Development Plus about the programme and was keen to give someone a chance.

He said: "This is a good opportunity for us to try to get our business back on its feet by getting the right person for the job.

"Our chef Daniel Lauria is from Brazil and has worked in high-end restaurants for the last five years.

"He has very high standards and also has experience of teaching back in Brazil.

"Daniel is so happy with Patrick's attitude and work ethic and he wants to learn."

Patrick says he is 'loving it' in his new placement at the local park.

He told the Tele: "It's definitely something I would like to progress.

"I really get on well with my boss and I'm learning a lot.

"None of the kitchens I've worked for have had a head chef so it makes a nice change."

Daniel, 53, who comes from Rio Grande do Sul in southern Brazil, worked with award-winning chef Vitor Gomes in Florianopolis in Santa Catarina for 10 years.

He says he moved to Scotland for a better life and since then has worked as a sous chef with Brian Maule at the Michelin-rated Chardon d'Or in Glasgow and also at the Macdonald Inchyra Hotel and Spa in Falkirk.

Daniel said: "Patrick is very committed, he has lots of skills and has worked in a lot of places.

"He comes into the kitchen and he is very organised and intuitive, he just knows what to do.

"Patrick picks things up very quickly, you only have to show him something once and he gets it.

"There is potential for him to become a sous chef if he wishes."

Kickstart creates paid, six-month work placements for young people who might be at risk of long-term unemployment.

It is open to young people aged 16-24 on Universal Credit.

Craig hopes to extend the placement to keep Patrick on.

He said: "It's been a real success story for us.

"We got the right person in the right place and I would recommend it to other employers - it's a great scheme."

Kevin Millar of Workforce Development Plus added: "I’m delighted with the opportunity to support The View, as a much valued local employer, secure the funding needed to provide this opportunity for Patrick.

"He continually demonstrates the ambition and desire to become a key member of Craig’s staff and the placement is proving to be a positive and productive experience for all."

For more information on WDP visit enquiries@workforcedevelopmentplus.co.uk or call 07871610488.