Ex-student Kurtus Auty returns to Selby College following stint on Master Chef The Professionals

After starting a successful career as a chef at restaurants such as Pucci in Mayfair and Mere by Monica Galetti, as well as a stint on Master Chef The Professionals in 2019, Kurtus Auty has returned to Selby College to speak to students about his experience and life as a Chef. This included how he started his journey as a chef at Selby College, how he balanced work and College to moving to London with £600, working with Gordon Ramsay, his time on Master Chef, lockdown and his future plans.

Kurtus Auty, former Catering student at Selby College

What are you doing now?

I’m looking to move back to the Selby area from London to start work locally.

How did Selby College help you get you to where you are now?

Selby College gave me the confidence to get into the hospitality industry. My tutors Adrian and Liz helped point me in the right direction and taught me the skills I needed to achieve my dream career. The College provided me a stepping stone into what I wanted to do next.

If you could pass on any advice to current students, what would it be?

Achieving a balance between your College work and work outside of College is extremely important, you need to make sure you are not working too many hours alongside your course or you are going to burnout. It’s important to learn first to get the knowledge and skills needed before you go into work. It’s important not to do all the hours working to make someone else happy, you need to focus on you and your career.

Finally, listen. Listen to everything and take it onboard to help you.

Kurtus’ Goal: Wants to open his own restaurant.

Students found Kurtus to be relatable as he started in the exact same place as they are in now, they also described him as an inspiration.