Matthew McLaughlin
Rotherham,South Yorkshire
Summary
Culinary professional with extensive experience in diverse kitchen roles, qualified from the prestigious MSK Academy at Sheffield College, the only gold-level institution in the country. Proficient in utilizing advanced kitchen equipment and techniques to produce high-quality meals. Demonstrates exceptional knife skills and composure under pressure, with experience in deputizing for the head chef. Committed to effective communication, task prioritization, and maintaining a clean work environment, with the stamina required for high-demand culinary settings.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Kitchen Assistant/Chef
The Oak House Restaurant
Sheffield, South Yorkshire
2022.06 - Current
- Supported chefs with meal preparation to keep service moving during peaks.
- Prepared vegetables by peeling, chopping, and slicing for quicker cooking times.
- Plated dishes carefully to improve presentation and increase visual appeal.
- Maintained kitchen cleanliness to meet hygiene standards every day.
- Cleaned utensils to support an efficient, hygienic, organised workstation.
- Kept kitchen areas clean, orderly, and well-stocked for smoother service.
- Unloaded deliveries efficiently to keep stock available for immediate storage.
- Stored ingredients properly to extend freshness and reduce food waste.
- Followed safety procedures with kitchen equipment to prevent accidents during service.
- Adhered to health and safety regulations while handling food and equipment.
- Washed dishes promptly after meals to free up kitchen space.
- Completed end-of-day close-down cleaning to prepare areas for next shift.
- Demonstrated keen interest in learning new skills and techniques.
- Showed commitment to the team by helping others and staying flexible.
- Covered unforeseen events to keep operations running smoothly.
Education
Professional Chef Diploma - Food and Hospitality
The Sheffield College
Sheffield, UK 2025.09 - 2026.06
Catering and Hospitality Diploma Level 2 - Catering and Hospitality
The Sheffield College
Sheffield, UK 2024.09 - 2025.06
Catering and Hospitality Diloma Level 1 - Catering and Hospitality
The Sheffield College
Sheffield, UK 2023.09 - 2024.06
GCSEs - Passed range of GCES's including Maths, English, Combined Science and Food & Nutrition
Notre Dame High School
Sheffield , UK 2022.09 - 2024.06
Skills
Cooking techniques knowledge
Knife skills
Culinary passion
Composure under pressure
Respectful collaboration
Simple meal assembly
Physical stamina
Catering support
Equipment cleaning and maintenance
Task prioritisation
Deputising for head chef
Special dietary requirement awareness
Temperature control awareness
Kitchen equipment familiarity
Affiliations
- KIck Boxing
- Jiu Jitsu
- Golf
Accomplishments
Hadyn Parsons Memorial Award for Endeaour from Sheffield College
References
Mr Len Unwin, Lecturer, Sheffield College. Email: l.unwin@sheffcol.ac.uk
Timeline
Professional Chef Diploma - Food and Hospitality
The Sheffield College
2025.09 - 2026.06
Catering and Hospitality Diploma Level 2 - Catering and Hospitality
The Sheffield College
2024.09 - 2025.06
Catering and Hospitality Diloma Level 1 - Catering and Hospitality
The Sheffield College
2023.09 - 2024.06
GCSEs - Passed range of GCES's including Maths, English, Combined Science and Food & Nutrition
Notre Dame High School
2022.09 - 2024.06
Kitchen Assistant/Chef
The Oak House Restaurant
2022.06 - Current