Exeter College Apprentice Roselle Wu Named Finalist in Multicultural Apprentice Awards 2025
Former Exeter College apprentice Roselle Wu has been named a finalist in the Retail, Hospitality and Tourism category of the Multicultural Apprentice Awards 2025, capping off an extraordinary two years of professional and personal achievement.
From beginning her apprenticeship with no prior kitchen experience to working under Michelin-starred chefs, representing her workplace at national competitions, helping develop internal kitchen tools and communication systems, and winning multiple awards, Roselle’s journey is one steeped in tenacity, and served to honour her cultural roots.
Roselle, originally from Hong Kong, began her Level 2 Commis Chef apprenticeship with Exeter College in September 2023, whilst working full time at the Ministry of Defence Royal Marines Training Centre in Lympstone.
“My story isn’t just about cooking – it’s about reimagining identity and purpose.” Roselle shared.
“Food has been my anchor, helping me connect with my cultural roots while finding a place in a new community. Growing up in Hong Kong, I was immersed in a vibrant and international food culture. I took Food Technology for my public exams in secondary school and, at 18, spent a summer teaching children how to bake cookies. That experience showed me how fulfilling it is to share the joy of food with others.
“It wasn’t until my late 20s, after relocating to the UK that I realised cooking wasn’t just a hobby. It was something I truly wanted to pursue professionally, and cooking Asian food makes me feel connected to my heritage. Starting fresh in a new country, culture, and industry wasn’t easy, but I knew I needed a pathway that offered structure, mentorship, and room to grow. That’s what led me to the apprenticeship model, combining formal learning at Exeter College with real kitchen experience.”
During her apprenticeship, Roselle worked for Compass Group, catering daily for more than 200 Royal Marine Officers. She quickly established herself as a dependable member of the team, making operational impacts such as developing a visual recipe guide to streamline the deli service and training colleagues to ensure consistency across shifts.
Her progress has not gone unnoticed: earlier this year, she was awarded Apprentice of the Year by the Craft Guild of Chefs, won Silver and Best in Class at the 2025 International Salon Culinaire, and last year, placed second in Compass Group’s Apprentice Chef of the Year.
She has represented her workplace at high-profile events including Wimbledon, the Cheltenham Festival and Brit Awards. She has also taken part in exclusive masterclasses with renowned chefs such as Bryn Williams, Ollie Dabbous and Dipna Anand, broadening her skills in fine dining and live service.
Roselle credits the apprenticeship model, and the support of Exeter College, as pivotal in her development: “Exeter College built my foundational catering knowledge, and after a few months into my apprenticeship I had already managed to write recipes and learned how to manage a kitchen.”
She has taken an active role in inspiring others, mentoring through the Ted Wragg Junior Chef Academy, a ten-week programme that introduced 15-year-olds to professional cookery.
Roselle is quick to acknowledge the people who helped her along the way. “My lecturers and the Exeter College Apprenticeships Team were so supportive and approachable throughout my study. They were so encouraging.”
Roselle completed her apprenticeship in April 2025 with a Distinction in her final exam.
As she awaits the result of the Multicultural Apprentice Awards, Roselle remains determined to build on her knowledge and continue to progress within industry, with hopes to begin a Level 3 apprenticeship.
“This award would be a recognition not just of what I’ve achieved so far, but of what’s still to come.” Roselle explained.
“I hope my story inspires others from diverse backgrounds, especially those who feel it’s “too late” to start again, to believe in themselves and follow their passion.”
To find out more about Apprenticeships at Exeter College, visit an Open Event.
