A young catering student from City of Bath College has been appointed as the first ‘apprentice’ to the High Sheriff of Somerset as part of an initiative to support and promote youth training and employment.
Ross Darby-Jones, 17, from Midsomer Norton, is currently studying an Advanced Apprenticeship in Professional Cookery but this month began an additional role with The High Sheriff of Somerset, John Cullum.
The position has been created to raise the profile of apprenticeships and to encourage more young people to consider an apprenticeship as a way to get a foot on the career ladder. As well as helping Ross with the financial side of his apprenticeship, it is hoped the position will provide a boost to the budding masterchef’s career and personal development.
The new ambassadorial role is sponsored by Somerset Crimebeat – an initiative which aims to give young people the opportunity to combat crime and the causes of crime by providing grants of up to £1,000 to local community groups.
Although not a formal apprenticeship, Ross will have the chance to shadow the High Sheriff at VIP functions around the county, which could even include high-profile Royal visits. Alongside Mr Cullum, Ross will formally represent the Somerset Crimebeat scheme and promote the importance and value of vocational training.
Mr Cullum, the father of Jamie Cullum, the piano-playing singer-songwriter sensation, began working with Ross earlier this month.
The position of High Sheriff of Somerset is over 1,000 years old and carries with it a range of responsibilities, including attendance at royal visits to Somerset, acting as Returning Officer in general and local elections and taking a leading role in the Somerset Crimebeat initiative.
Mr Cullum is also regularly invited to appear as guest of honour at a wide range of events around the county.
Mr Cullum attended City of Bath College’s annual Celebrating Success award ceremony in September 2011, when Ross picked up the Apprentice of the Year award in recognition of his hard work and dedication to his studies.
Ross, who works the Oakhill Inn, said he couldn’t wait to get started: “It’s a great opportunity for me and I’m really looking forward to working with the High Sheriff.
“It’s a very important ambassadorial role and I’ll be interested to see the variety of different responsibilities that the High Sheriff has to undertake.
“This role is a big responsibility and it’s certainly going to keep me busy, but I’m really looking forward to it and can’t wait to get started.“
Mr Cullum said: “The High Sheriff’s Charity, Somerset Crimebeat, is delighted to welcome Ross as our first sponsored ‘apprentice’.
“Ross will keep the Crimebeat Committee updated on his progress and provide an ambassadorial role in schools and other youth related areas. We hope eventually to support additional apprenticeships throughout Somerset if this proves successful.“
