Chef lecturer wins community learning award | News

July 2026

Chef lecturer who set up community cooking school wins regional champion award

By Melanie Hall

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A chef lecturer at University College Birmingham who returned to his roots to launch an inspirational community-based culinary school for young people has been recognised at a regional awards.

Birmingham-born Adam Pickett, who is also the academic director of commercial culinary operations at UCB, was yesterday (Wednesday) presented with the Community Learning Champion title at the West Midlands Combined Authority's Adult Learning Awards.

Adam enjoyed a successful career working in restaurants around the world and as a personal chef to famous footballers like Kevin De Bruyne and Jamie Vardy before becoming a lecturer at UCB's Birmingham College of Food, where he trained himself.

With his heart firmly invested in the West Midlands, he was instrumental in opening the Chelmsley Starters culinary school in Chelmsley Wood Shopping Centre, just outside Birmingham, in 2025.

Adam saw how young people were struggling to get to the city centre for training and jobs. So, with funding and support from UCB, he set up the school, which has an onsite eaterie, Bluebell Wood, for learners to hone their skills and serve real paying customers.

The initiative gave Adam the ability to pass on his passion for food to local youngsters through training courses designed to help them master the art of cooking and kickstart a culinary career.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, who presented the first cohort of 16-18 year olds to graduate from Chelmsley Starters with their certificates last week, said: “Adam is an inspiration. He has brought his expertise and passion back to the region to pass on to a new generation.

“These awards showcase the incredible work of people like Adam in changing people’s lives for the better."

The first Chelmsley Starters to graduate with Mayor Richard Parker and Adam

After being presented with his award at Birmingham’s STEAMhouse venue, Adam said: “Young people started this course last year with low confidence and hardly any self-esteem. Some had even experienced bullying at school. But the range of opportunities they have had in this kitchen has seen them find a passion – right here on their doorstep.

“I came from a single parent family and experienced similar challenges, but my lecturers at UCB took me under their wing after I left school. The most important thing to me now is nurturing these young people and ensuring they have a similar career to myself.

“By offering our enthusiastic young learners the chance to take masterclasses with Michelin-starred chefs we can help them to flourish and realise their potential.

“We also offer support with their academic learning so they can achieve the level they need to secure their dream careers. And they can earn while they learn, gaining valuable work experience.

“My hope is that they will go on to become successful chefs and represent our talented region.”

Adam’s passion for cooking was ignited as a youngster in Perry Barr rustling up dishes with his grandad at his allotment.

He went on to secure a place at the Birmingham College of Food, Tourism and creative studies, now University College Birmingham, before working in Minorca, Paris, Australia and as a private chef.

Despite only opening in December 2025, there are already nearly 40 learners working on site at Chelmsley Starters and Bluebell Wood, and double that is expected next year. Around 80% are from the local community.

The Adult Learning Awards underline the commitment of the Mayor to give residents access to high-quality skills training and meaningful opportunities for personal and professional growth.

The winners and finalists represent a diverse range of contributions - from individual learners and dedicated tutors to innovative skills providers and large-scale partnerships between organisations.

The Mayor said: "They are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our adult learning champions and show the wealth of talent and potential we have in the West Midlands.

“Hearing the stories from the shortlisted nominees brings home the role played by so many in helping local people improve their job prospects, whether through apprenticeships, skills bootcamps or innovative programmes like Chelmsley Starters.

“Congratulations to the winners, those shortlisted and everyone who has been involved and thank you for sharing your inspirational experience and journeys.”

On visiting Chelmsley Starters, where he cooked with students, he added: “I think it’s fantastic and I want to praise UCB for investing in this part of the region. I’ve been speaking to the students, but also their parents, and this course has given them confidence, purpose, direction and aspiration.

"I’d like to see facilities like this across the region. If we do that, we can help so many young people through training and developing more pathways."

Find out more about Chelmsley Starters and its free courses for 16-18 year-olds and 19+.

Find out more about college and university courses within our Birmingham College of Food.

“Adam is an inspiration. He has brought his expertise and passion back to the region to pass on to a new generation. These awards showcase the incredible work of people like Adam in changing people’s lives for the better."

Richard Parker Mayor of the West Midlands