From Race Jockey to Award-Winning Chef: Adam Pike’s Apprenticeship Success Story

Adam Pike’s remarkable journey shows how apprenticeships can help adults retrain, gain qualifications and build successful careers in a completely new industry.

After a successful 15-year career as a race jockey, Adam returned to Wrexham with his family in 2023 and began looking for a fresh challenge. He joined Pant-yr-Ochain, part of the Brunning & Price group, as a Commis Chef with no previous professional kitchen experience. Less than three years later, he has been promoted to Senior Chef de Partie, completed his Level 2 Professional Cookery apprenticeship ahead of schedule, progressed to a Level 3 apprenticeship and won gold in Skills Competition Wales Culinary Arts 2026.

His achievements demonstrate how apprenticeships can help people develop new skills, gain confidence and achieve their ambitions, regardless of age or previous career experience.

Learning Through Apprenticeships

From the moment he entered the kitchen, Adam embraced every opportunity to learn and develop. Through his Level 2 Professional Cookery apprenticeship with Cambrian Training Company (CTC), he gained the practical skills, technical knowledge and recognised qualifications needed to thrive in a professional kitchen.

The support he received from his CTC assessor and colleagues at Pant-yr-Ochain helped him build confidence and progress quickly. While completing  his Level 2 apprenticeship he studied for and passed his   Essential Skills Level 2 qualifications in Maths and English, overcoming challenges that had previously affected him at school.

Adam said:

“I would tell anyone if they’re not happy and want to do something better with their life and to change their career or get back into work, you’re never too old to study for an apprenticeship. You can do an apprenticeship whatever your age and it offers a second chance to get into a new job or sector that you’re interested in.”

Employer Support Drives Success

Pant-yr-Ochain and Brunning & Price have played a central role in Adam’s development. Recognising his commitment and potential, the company supported his progression from Commis Chef to Chef de Partie and then Senior Chef de Partie.

They also encouraged him to take part in competitions and specialist training opportunities, including experiences at Gary Usher’s bakery and placements within fine dining kitchens, helping him broaden his knowledge and refine his skills.

Excelling in Culinary Competitions

Supported by both his employer and Cambrian Training Company, Adam entered a range of culinary competitions that challenged him to perform at a high level.

His achievements include winning gold in Skills Competition Wales Culinary Arts 2026 and becoming the highest-scoring apprentice competitor in the Mid Wales region. These experiences helped him develop professionally, gain confidence and benchmark his skills against some of Wales’ best emerging chefs.

Reflecting on his success, Adam said:

“Competitions pushed me out of my comfort zone and made me a better chef. Winning gold was a proud moment, but the biggest achievement has been seeing how far I have come in such a short time.”

A Life-Changing Opportunity

Jimmy praised Adam’s commitment, determination and willingness to embrace every opportunity.

“This is such wonderful story. Once a successful jockey to a talented chef. We are so glad to be a part of the journey with Adam and Mel and the team at Cambrian Training. This is what adult apprentice learning is all about. Not only is Adam a great chef but he is loved at the pub by the staff. He is a really hard worker and just loves to learn. He’s been a pleasure to have on the team and it’s great to see him shine through cooking. Long may the journey continue.”

For Adult Learning Week, Adam’s story is a powerful reminder that apprenticeships are not only for young people entering the workplace. Through the combined support of Pant-yr-Ochain, Brunning & Price and Cambrian Training Company, Adam has transformed a career change into an award-winning profession, proving that it is never too late to learn, progress and succeed.