The 17-year-old shared the title of Most Outstanding First Year Apprentice at Hospitality Group Training’s annual awards last week.
Ms Beeken said she had known she wanted a career in hospitality for the past four years and started working at The Woodbridge Hotel in Guildford in February.
“I love my job; I love that I get to create different things,” she said.
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READ NOWWinning the award was a big surprise. “I was told that I was nominated but didn’t think that I would actually win it,” she said.
“It’s nice that people see that you work hard.
“You have days where you wonder if you’re doing the right thing, but now think I am.”
HGT general manager Iain McDougall said the group provided numerous opportunities for young people.
“With the current worldwide chef skill shortages, it is a reminder that a chef qualification is a passport to anywhere in the world,” he said.