Budding young chef graduates from Jamie Oliver’s 'Fifteen'

Portia graduates from Jamie Oliver’s 'Fifteen'

At the age of 18, Portia had to leave her foster home. Like most teenagers leaving home for the first time, Portia did not know where to turn. She headed to social services but was offered no support. Eventually she came to Centrepoint where she remained for the next three years.

Fifteen was designed to provide empowerment of young people who need a second chance to establish their place in the world. After successfully completing the tough assessment process, Portia was invited onto the course and has gone from strength to strength developing the confidence and skill to master working in a professional kitchen.

Portia said: “Everyone at Centrepoint knew that I enjoyed cooking; I was always in the kitchen and would help at events wherever I could. When my learning worker heard about the opportunity with Fifteen he told me about it. I went along to a taster day and loved it so I applied.”

On being the only female of the thirteen that passed, and to gain a merit, Portia said: “I was completely overwhelmed to graduate. Sometimes I thought I wouldn’t get there. I feel so proud of myself- it wasn’t easy but with a lot of self motivation I made it. I also have a lot to thank my key workers at Centrepoint’s Camberwell Foyer for - they helped me to focus and think about what I wanted from my future”.

Clare Norton, Centrepoint’s Director of services said: “We are all extremely proud of how far Portia has come since arriving at Centrepoint. We work with over 800 young people every day and see some great success stories - this really is one of them. We wish her all the best for a successful career as a chef; she certainly deserves it after all of her hard work.”

Portia is now living independently and is working full time at a French restaurant in central London. She got the job before she even graduated, during a placement whilst she was still at Fifteen. The chefs recognised her skill and motivation and offered her a job. One day she hopes to run her own Italian restaurant.