A YOUNG chef from the North-East yesterday attended a masterclass with Marco Pierre White to highlight the importance of apprenticeships.

Phillip Mayes, 20, joined 14 other apprentices from across the UK in the kitchen of celebrity chef Mr Pierre White’s London restaurant, Wheelers.

The Hell’s Kitchen star began his career as an apprentice, and became the youngest chef to be awarded three Michelin stars. He is now an ambassador for apprenticeships.

Mr Mayes, an apprentice chef at Firenze, in Jesmond, and who trains at Newcastle College, was given an insight into Mr Pierre White’s experience as an apprentice, as well as advice on how to enhance his prospects and his skills.

The group, whose visit was organised by the National Apprenticeship Service, was also given the opportunity to prepare a range of dishes from Wheelers’ a la carte menu.

Mr Mayes said: “When I found out I was coming here I couldn’t believe my luck.

It’s an honour to meet Marco. He’s an inspiration to me and a lot of people I know.”