Roselle Wu, a former Exeter College apprentice chef, has been named a finalist in the Retail, Tourism and Hospitality category of the Multicultural Apprentice Awards 2025, in recognition of her achievements in catering and professional development.
Originally from Hong Kong, Roselle began her Level Two Commis Chef apprenticeship with Exeter College in 2023.
During this time, she also worked full-time at the Ministry of Defence Royal Marines Training Centre in Lympstone.
According to Exeter Today, she has gone from having no prior experience in professional kitchens, to working alongside Michelin-starred chefs, representing her employer at numerous national events and has earned multiple industry awards.
During her apprenticeship, Roselle worked for Compass Group, where she catered for over 200 Royal Marine officers on a daily basis.
In her workplace, she improved kitchen operations using practical systems, including “a visual recipe guide to standardise deli service and improve training for colleagues”.
Roselle was awarded Apprentice of the Year by the Craft Guild of Chefs in early 2025, won Silver and Best in Class at the 2025 International Salon Cullinaire, and placed second in Compass Group’s Apprentice Chef of the Year in 2024.
She has also represented her workplace catering for high-end events including Wimbledon, the Cheltenham Festival, and the Brit Awards.
Roselle credits the apprenticeship, and the support from Exeter College, for providing the support and guidance necessary to build her career after moving to the UK.
She said that after moving to a new country, the apprenticeship gave her the confidence to find her voice in the kitchen and believe she could build a meaningful career doing something she loves.
“Exeter College built my foundational catering knowledge. After just a few months, I was able to write recipes and understand how to manage a kitchen,” she said.
For Roselle, food isn’t just about flavour, it’s about storytelling.
“Cooking Asian food helps me stay connected to my roots and share a piece of my heritage with others,” she added.
She hopes her story will inspire others, especially those who believe it’s too late to start over, to trust in themselves and pursue their passions.
“I hope my story inspires others, especially people from diverse backgrounds, to take that first step. It’s never too late to start again. With the right support, determination and curiosity, you can transform your life,” she said.
Roselle acknowledged the support of the college’s lecturers and apprenticeship team for their support and encouragement during her studies.
Roselle completed her apprenticeship in April of 2025, earning a Distinction in her final exam.
As she awaits the results of the Multicultural Apprentice Awards later this year, Roselle remains determined to advance in the industry and hopes to begin a Level Three qualification.
Featured image via Instagram
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