Cathy Adamson: Nurturing Northern Ireland’s Future Chefs

Published on Sep. 23, 2024

After narrowly missing an application deadline for nursing training, Cathy’s career projection took a different direction - but with no regrets!

Having embraced the culinary arts, and now with more than thirty-five years’ experience of cooking at the highest of standards, Cathy still loves every minute of her work.

Having joined Sodexo in 1995, Cathy is Northern Ireland’s Craft Development Chef. A trailblazer by nature, Cathy is grateful to Sodexo for continuing to open doors into the culinary world and for professional development opportunities.

From her early days of cooking in the kitchen, Cathy’s career has progressed and has seen her cater for royalty, government leaders and international dignitaries, as well as managing culinary teams at large events and sporting occasions.

Continuing to foster innovation and personal growth, Cathy has competed in many competitions, winning numerous awards including NI Chef of the Year and - making history – as a member of first all-female culinary team, representing Sodexo UK&I at Hotelympia where her team won a Gold Award and ‘Best-in-Show’ award.

“Sodexo has supported and invested in my personal development over the years. I have had some outstanding mentor chefs who shared their knowledge and provided me with pathways to work with some of the leading chefs."

Throughout her journey, Sodexo's commitment to social impact development has played a crucial role. "I've always felt that Sodexo has an incredible number of options for people wanting to contribute positively to local communities” Cathy explains. “There are lots of opportunities and I feel grateful that Sodexo provides all employees with three paid days annually to volunteer locally.”

In 2014 Cathy became involved in Springboards “FutureChef” programme – initially volunteering as a judge and more recently as a professional skills mentor.

Springboard FutureChef is a schools-based programme which supports the development of life skills by inspiring young people to pursue a career within the world of hospitality.

As part of her volunteer role, Cathy visits schools to talk to teachers and students about the many career options in the culinary world. She also provides one-on-one mentoring to students who are competing in the Springboard FutureChef competition – the biggest school culinary competition covering Northern Ireland and the UK.

Drawing on her own journey in Sodexo, Cathy knows the value of taking a personal interest in each of her mentees.

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"I embrace a nurturing role, supporting students with the creation of their menus and I organise visits to commercial kitchens to learn from professional chefs."

Cathy’s success is evident as two of her mentees have been named Northern Ireland Future Chef winners and advanced to the National Finals. “It’s a real passion of mine to ensure we keep catering and hospitality at the forefront of the students’ career options, ensuring that we have enthusiastic and talented young chefs continuing to enter the industry” Cathy adds.

To those just starting their careers with Sodexo or in food services, Cathy offers this advice:

“Investigate every opportunity and don’t be afraid to take risks. The culinary world offers a vast array of opportunities. Whether you’re passionate about creating delicious dishes, interested in the science of nutrition, focused on wellness, or keen on the management side of things, there’s a pathway for you to develop.

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