Looking for my London connection?

ReHab · #1 09-25-2003, 02:28 PM

how goes it folks,

im in desperate need of somebody on the "otherside" to help me out. simply put this is my plan:

1.move to London
2.work full time for 12 months + -
3.enroll & attend le cordon bleu, cut hours
4.start my career in London

now this is a very simple plan laid out but i have done my work, don't worry there's more to this plan. i've researched visas and looked into the culinary school.

so what i'm looking for is a sponsor. i have 5+ years of restaurant work but i'm also only 20. don't be fooled by the few years of experience or my age. this is my passion and this is how im going to support myself. im a very dedicated worker with an excellent work record and i can send copies on request. i just need that opportunity to jump from job to career. to learn fine dining restaurant and finally get some credentials for my experiences.

i'm a U.S. citizen but i will do my paper work on acquiring my visa and work permit but only if i know there's a job at the end of that paper trail. this is my dream and its time that i start it so know that im serious about my plan but i do need someone to open that door for me.

thanks in advance

Peace!

Rafael Rodriguez

Leo R. · #2 09-25-2003, 05:29 PM

Here are a few points from the U.K. :
1) London is an expensive city to live in,accommodation is far from cheap and the transport system is inconsistent.
2) As for a college,i really do recommend Westminster Kingsway College.Jeremy Emerson(one of the brilliant people behind the ChefTalk Cafe went there as did Jamie Oliver.I went there myself,you will get first class training there,your time will not be wasted!
There website address is:www.westking.ac.uk
3)A number of restaurants have closed in London in the past six months,this is due to a number of reasons.Having said that,there is still an acute shortage of chefs in Britain.Take a look at the website of the Caterer & Hotelkeeper magazine.Their address is:www.caterer.com
4)Hours-many people in Britain work more than 48 hours per week despite directives from the European parliament.Many work in excess of 60 hours per week.Good luck,Leo.

ReHab · #3 09-26-2003, 03:04 PM

alright well i come up to my first snag,

in order to complete my visa ... i must have a place to stay and employment. current UK immigration law does not allow for someone to enter the Uk and then look for a job and place to stay. makes sense but what i need is a place to stay ( at least on paper) for no more than a month while I look for room to rent but i do need a job.

so that's were i am

and it means i need help ....

peace!

rafa

ReHab · #4 09-26-2003, 04:08 PM

... btw what is the average hourly pay in london?

Leo R. · #5 09-28-2003, 03:54 PM

ReHab,here`s the not so good news.Hourly pay rates vary depending on the type of establishment you are seeking employment with.
A lot of agencies would take into account:
1)Formal qualifications
2)Level of experience
3)References from previous employers
Can i suggest that you take,if possible,a look at some this U.K. based agency`s website for hourly pay rates:
www.bluearrow.co.uk
They are specialists in recruiting catering people for Central London.A large number of their clients are companies recruiting for directors restaurants & fine dining facilities.
For example, corporate law firms,merchant banks,head offices of major public banks,investment brokers,stockbrokers,etc.

olliew · #6 09-28-2003, 11:11 PM

It depends where you want to work. The Savoy sponsored quite a few people when I worked there. Just send your resume out to the good hotels, they are always desperate for people with a good attitude. Be forwarned, I was working about 70 hours a week (two days off).

I have a USA/German passport so it was easier. Fun time in London, but wouldnt want to live there. I survived on my pay, lived in a hostle owned by the hotel, and didn't have a penny (or pence) at the end of every month, but it was worth it

Leo R. · #7 09-29-2003, 04:00 PM

ReHab,i passed a few agencies on my way home today.These agencies are based in Central London.
The average rates are:
Commis Chef: £6-£7.50 per hour.
Demi Chef-De-Partie: £7-£8p.h.
Chef-De-Partie: £7-£9p.h.
Junior Sous Chef: £9 -£11p.h.

I hope this helps you,some company rates may be higher than those above.As olliew mentions,a number of established hotels may be able to sponsor you.

ReHab · #8 09-29-2003, 06:37 PM

thanks leo & ollie for your help so far,

i've started looking for a sponsor. thanks for the suggestions.

this whole visa, job, and residence circle game is really getting old. here:

1. you can't complete a visa application without a job and place to stay; with documents to prove so.
2. can't get a job without a working visa prior.
3. can't get a place to live without first having a job it keep up with the rent.

realistically the only way i'll get over to London is if im sponsored. i've got the energy and attitude but lack of formal training and credentials get in the way big time. is there a company willing to take a chance?

i haven't given up but i'm starting to realize that i may be biting more than i can chew.

peace!

rafa

Leo R. · #9 09-30-2003, 10:53 AM

ReHab,i not sure if this will work,but it might be worth a try.Would it be possible for you to send a letter explaining your situation to Caterer & Hotelkeeper magazine?This is a leading U.K. hospitality magazine and is read by many hoteliers,general managers and executive/head chefs.I can`t promise an immediate reply,but someone is bound to see it.If they don`t,it`s their loss!!
The address is:The Editor,
Caterer & Hotelkeeper magazine,
Quadrant House,
The Quadrant,
Sutton,
Surrey,SM2 5AS,
England.
The e-mail address is:forbes.mutch@rbi.co.uk
Forbes Mutch is the editor of the magazine.
BTW,if possible take a look at this website:
www.reed.co.uk

ReHab · #10 10-01-2003, 04:08 AM

thanks for the lead leo!

peace

rafa

tigerwoman · #11 10-03-2003, 10:07 AM

rehab - check out this british site (got an email today and thought of your post)

pursue your dreams.

the restaurant game - recruiting

ReHab · #12 10-03-2003, 03:01 PM

BUT

.... wait, first things first.

i will go to london, i will go to london, i will go to london, i will go to london, i will go to london, i will go to london, i will go to london, i will go to london X infinate

ok

its been many sleepless nights but realizations are quite a *****, now its time to catch up on sleep. looks like im going back to my original plan but with a new twist.

there were so many factors playing against me that even if i were given the chance i could in no way afford the plane tickets, the first month, and any other hidden fees that would have shown up.

i will arrive in london but first training and some more expirience. ****, at least this way i'll have more money in my pocket while living in london.

mike · #13 10-13-2003, 06:02 AM

Ok rehab, just let me know when you need the backup.

good luck

#14 10-17-2003, 04:25 PM

my suggestion is that you first go to london as a tourist, when here visit all kind of restaurants and hotels that you want to work for, tell them your story and what you want, work a day or two for free, get a job and sponsor. go back to US and sort out your visa and other formal things and come back and work your *** off. there's a big shortage of quality chefs in UK. not the cheapest and fastest way, but it's a way that work. good luck!

ReHab · #15 10-17-2003, 05:47 PM

heheh ...

don't mean to make fun of your idea but i'm piss poor. i'm working 2 jobs as it is to save enough money for tuition, plane ticket, and some sort of savings to survive the first month.

thanks for the suggestion however ... i'm sure something good in my plans is bound to happen

peace!

rafa