Vikings Rising Star: Alex

The Vikings Group is proud of the apprenticeship program that we run to assist young people, not only obtain a qualification, but to give them a supportive and encouraging workplace.

Alex is one of those young people. Alex is a first year apprentice Chef at Lanyon Vikings, who has been with the organisation for six months and says that he isn’t going anywhere. 

When asked where he saw himself in ten years, Alex told our Executive Chef, Ben Cridland “I’m going to be doing your role” – to which Ben was very proud.

Ben who started his apprenticeship with Vikings 20 years ago knows the process. “This is why we have apprentices – we want them to feel that they belong here. We want them to stay, we want them to learn and we want them to be happy”. 

Alex started cooking at home for his family. His go to dish is Pork Enchiladas. “I love playing around with Mexican food. The Pork Enchiladas are my signature dish. I would love to put them on the specials menu here for everyone one day. That’s my goal”.

Alex’s family are proud of him, none more-so than his Grandfather. “My family are from South Africa. My grandfather’s favourite dish for me to cook is a rice dish with chorizo, tomato, curry and other spices mixed in with rice. He loves it when I make it. I love making it for him.”

“I like Vikings because every shift is different. Sometimes you are flat out, other times you are a bit slower and can work on prep for the next shift or focus on cleaning. For me, Vikings is the perfect blend of everything.”

The Vikings Group congratulated Alex on his six months by presenting him with his own knife set. 

According to Executive Chef, Ben “Alex has four years to finish his apprenticeship – however he is that far ahead, he won’t need all that time. I’m really proud of Alex and can’t wait to taste his pork enchiladas!!!”

If you are interested in being a part of our apprenticeship program at the Vikings Group, please reach out to human.resources@vikings.com.au.