TWO PROFESSIONAL caterers are throwing a party of their own after winning national competition Smart Apprentice of the Year.
Angeline Ingham, 24, and Helen Stevenson, 34, from Mossley-based caterers Manns Wharf, teamed up with Gillian, Naomi and Keisha from Smart for the final on the Isle of Wight. 
Judges were so impressed with their radio and bus advertisements to promote Smart’s training schemes they gave them a Kindle Fire each with their trophy.
Angeline, an apprentice with Manns Wharf while she studies towards NVQ level 2 in professional cooking through Smart, said: “It took a lot of hard work but it paid off with a sense of great achievement.
“Smart were so pleased we came up with ideas they can use and save money on across the country.”
Their challenge began at the regional round when they transformed their allotted £30 into 200 ‘Smart’ cupcakes and sold them at Ashton Market to raise funds for Christies.
Shocked to reach the finals, they made their presentation about their progress fun by getting the judges dancing the conga.
For their final task to create a media advertisement about Smart’s advantages for employer and apprentice, they chose bus adverts, got themselves on air and even had backing from the local MP.
Helen said: “I really enjoyed getting involved and working with people from different backgrounds. I hoped we were going to win but you do not know until the fat lady sings.”
Angeline is Manns Wharf’s third Smart apprentice, with a fourth just starting her hospitality qualifications through the government-funded courses fitted around work.
Manns Wharf was set up by Helen’s father John 16 years ago, and provides fresh homemade food at weddings, birthdays, funerals and corporate events. Find out more on their website: www.manns-wharf.co.uk or by ringing: 01457 871156.
