What an amazing experience for some of our catering apprentices and students when they enjoyed a rare opportunity to learn from celebrated chef Michael Caines MBE during a successful visit organised by Standard Bank in partnership with Alba Bar & Restaurant. The dedicated student session was a highlight of his visit, bringing one of Britain’s best-known chefs together with people developing their careers across the island’s hospitality sector. Michael did a cooking demo in TGI College kitchens, ably supported by Alba chef Billy who is a former TGI culinary apprentice. He also shared insights from his professional journey and the challenges he encountered along the way. He shared future development plans for his business at Lympstone Manor, offering encouragement and a fresh perspective on the opportunities within the industry. Each apprentice also received a personally signed copy of his cookbook, providing a lasting reminder of the experience and inspiration to take into their own kitchens. Michael said: “It was a real pleasure to meet the students in Guernsey and share some of the experiences that have shaped my career. Their enthusiasm was wonderful to see, and I hope our time together encouraged them to think ambitiously about their own futures. Hospitality offers so many opportunities to learn, create and grow. Helping emerging talent discover where their skills and passion might take them is something I feel strongly about.” Supporting the next generation is an established part of Michael’s work, with the Michael Caines Academy at Exeter College helping train aspiring hospitality professionals. His Guernsey visit brought that commitment to a local audience. Rivelino Rodrigues, TGI’s hospitality and catering lecturer at said: “Hearing about Michael’s career and learning directly from him brought a different dimension to our apprentices’ training and helped them see the possibilities ahead. They took away inspiration and insight they can draw on as they develop their own careers. We are grateful to Standard Bank for creating such a special opportunity.” During the visit Michael also hosted a private dining event at Alba for Standard Bank’s Guernsey-based clients. Working alongside Alba’s team, Michael helped deliver a special evening of food and conversation, including a question-and-answer session about his career and approach to hospitality. The collaboration also showcased the restaurant and the talent within Guernsey’s hospitality sector. David Matheson, owner of Alba, said: “For a local, independently owned restaurant, the opportunity to welcome Michael and work alongside him was something special. At Alba, we’re passionate about combining great local ingredients with European influences and the flavour of wood-fired cooking, so this was a wonderful opportunity to share what we do. Standard Bank’s support made possible an experience that brought real value to our business and our team, while putting Guernsey’s hospitality talent in the spotlight. Seeing that opportunity extend to local students made the collaboration even more rewarding.”
