Rhys Hood has swapped chef’s apron for builder’s. After 20 years working as a chef, both in New Zealand and overseas, the former New Plymouth man has given up kitchen life for a chance at a new career as a builder.
He started full time as a student this year and is about half way through a Certificate in Carpentry Skills through WITT’s external provider, G & H Training. He’s loving the change, although he admits going back to the classroom has been a bit tough on the brain matter, especially in the maths department which he hasn’t delved into really since he left New Plymouth Boys’ High School a couple of decades ago.
“I like working with my hands and I like being creative so building gives me that opportunity,” said Rhys. He’d enjoyed cooking until a few years ago when the career just didn’t have the same zing anymore and he’d always tinkered with the idea about being a builder or trying his hand at something in construction.
“I had done a bit of everything in cooking - in restaurants, conference venues, cafes and eight years at the Royal College of Physicians in London. When I came back to New Plymouth I thought I would carry on with cooking and I went offshore for a while but I found it was just time for a change.”
And change it has been. Apart from having to make his own lunch these days for a start, it’s been a change going back to student life, the note-taking, theory and books.
“The tutors are really good, in theory and on the practical side. I’m really looking forward to getting out there and getting some work experience and then when I’m finished I will be looking for an apprenticeship.”
Rhys plans to work in residential construction and would like to work with a small building firm. And any prospective boss can be sure, smoko will be looking good with Rhys on the job.