Jacob Rose - Howling Wolf Bakery

Jacob Rose joined Howling Wolf – Artisan Bakery & Café as a chef through the Wage Subsidy Scheme, bringing prior experience in similar café environments. His transition was smooth, and he quickly adapted to the fast-paced kitchen, integrating well with the existing team.

Jacob’s duties include food preparation, cooking, and plating dishes to a high standard. He contributes to menu planning, focusing on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, and plays a key role in developing and testing new dishes. Maintaining food safety and hygiene, managing inventory, and ensuring consistent quality during peak service periods are central to his role.

Jacob values the dynamic nature of the kitchen and the creative freedom to design seasonal specials. He has introduced several successful menu updates that received positive customer feedback. A notable achievement was maintaining high standards during a surprise inspection by Environmental Health Officers during a busy lunch rush, resulting in a 5/5 hygiene rating.

Balancing creativity with efficiency during peak times has been a challenge, but Jacob has managed this effectively through teamwork and guidance. He has also benefited from on-the-job training by the café owner, focusing on advanced cooking techniques, kitchen management, cost control, and time management.

Carmina Ardelean, joint owner of Howling Wolf Bakery, said: “The Wage Subsidy Scheme has been a great support for us. It’s allowed us to bring in a skilled chef like Jacob who has added real value to our menu and team. His enthusiasm and creativity have lifted our kitchen, and the scheme helped make that possible.”

Jacob reflects positively on his experience: “I’ve recently started working as a chef at The Howling Wolf bakery and it’s been a really positive experience. The team is friendly and professional, the kitchen runs smoothly, and we take real pride in serving good, fresh food. Management supports us and values our ideas, which makes a big difference.”

Jacob’s journey demonstrates how the Wage Subsidy Scheme can create opportunities for skilled individuals while supporting local businesses. His contributions have enhanced the café’s offerings and strengthened its reputation within the community.

Naomi Fisher (Millom Network Centre)

Naomi joined Millom Network Centre as a part-time Administrative Assistant to support daily office operations and client service activities. With previous experience in hospitality, she sought a role that allowed for flexible hours while contributing meaningfully to a team.

The charity needed someone who could quickly adapt to a ever changing environment and take on new tasks and challenges as and when required.

During her first month, Naomi focused the overseeing of our eBay shop ensuring that all orders were dispatched on time and new stock was uploaded to the site. understanding and building strong relationships with team members. She proactively shadowed other staff and volunteers, familiarizing herself with their roles within the charity.

Within just a few months, Naomi has become a reliable member of the team. Her commitment her post is impressive, and she can now work independently searching out task and jobs that are required to be completed with instruction.

Naomi’s smooth transition into her part-time role demonstrates how initiative, communication, and adaptability can lead to rapid success in an administrative position. Her contributions have enhanced internal efficiency and strengthened team coordination, making her an integral part of the charities team at unit 3.