Joanna Reeves

2006 graduate of Fifteen 

Jo, 22, is a chef de partie at Deutsche Bank’s 19th Floor Kitchen in Bishopsgate in the City. This is her second job since leaving Fifteen in July 2006. Her first job was in a private members club in Mayfair. After the sudden death of her mother Jo spent much of her childhood in care. She always fancied cooking and after leaving the care system her social worker urged her to apply to Fifteen. After she got over her amazement at being taken on, she put her head down and worked hard. “What I learned at Fifteen really helped me. I know so much about produce and how to do things in the kitchen. I see the way things are done sometimes and think we wouldn’t do that at Fifteen. They buy in their pastry cases and ice cream – and I think I could make that stuff for them!”

She has not encountered any bullying or animosity. “When I came for a trial, one chef said he’s seen me on the news when they did a bit on the graduation last year. He said that he liked Fifteen and Jamie.” She is very matter of fact about her time as an apprentice. “Fifteen does treat you a bit like a kid, can’t do this, can’t do that. I understand that drink has to be controlled on sourcing trips. But we was adults and they could have been a bit easier on us towards the end.”

She didn’t need the support services on offer but from what she could see those who needed support had it offered to them, but if people didn’t want it or didn’t use it then that was their choice.

“Fifteen gave me the skills to have a career doing what I wanted to do. I’m so glad I done it. I remember how hard it was getting home at one o’clock in the morning and then having to get up early and go. My hours are easier now but still when I find it hard to get out of bed, I think come on you did it at Fifteen.”