13th January 2025

A former South Devon College apprentice is cooking up celebrations after having her own recipe published in a renowned cookbook. 

Shannon Kingdon studied at the Paignton College and discovered her passion lay in the kitchen. And now, after a whole menu of successes, including completing her apprenticeship, winning an award, appearing in a national competition, and securing a permanent job, the icing on the cake is having her recipe for pan fried duck published in the Dartmouth Food Festival Cookbook. 

“I’m very proud to have my own recipe published in the Dartmouth Food Festival Cookbook – I didn’t expect to have a recipe published so early on in my career, if at all,” she said. 

Shannon started on the Courses to Careers (C2C) provision at the College, which involved doing weekly studies in different areas of learning, including catering, animal care and engineering. It was during the catering sessions that her interest was fired up and she was inspired to enroll on the year-long Level 1 Professional Cookery course, followed by the Level 2 course. 

“After completing my Level 1, I knew I wanted to stay in the catering industry, but I didn’t feel confident enough to go and find a job immediately, so I enrolled on the Level 2 course to build my confidence further,” she said. 

Following successful completion of the Level 2, Shannon was then accepted onto an 18-month apprenticeship in Professional Services at the College, working within the catering and hospitality department. 

“It was the best time! Every day was a highlight – I loved walking into the kitchen and making the crispies and fruit salad. They always made me feel at home and I’ve never felt more part of a team.” 

^{Shannon with Mercure Chef Zibi Klapsia; Matt Green, Head of Commercial Services and Sustainability at South Devon College; and Helen Harris, Head Chef at South Devon College}

Whilst at the College Shannon entered a catering competition and won a regional award for her pan fried local duck with red wine sauce. After that win, she was selected to compete in the national Craft Guild Culinary Academy Major Series Competition in London. 

“It was a very good experience – it was overwhelming at first but I’m proud of myself for having the confidence to stand up and cook in front of so many people.” 

After her apprenticeship Shannon applied to work at the Mercure brand and successfully received a job offer, working in the kitchens at Mercure Paignton since it opened in April 2023. 

Shannon has continuing aspirations for her future: “I hope to be working in a higher level role in the future, within fine dining. I’ve been told I’ll make a good head chef in the future, which is lovely to hear. 

“My advice to anyone considering a career in catering is to go for it. If you’ve got a passion for it, you’ll stick with it and it’ll be the best thing you’ve ever done.” 

If the thought of pan fried local duck with red wine sauce, mashed potato and vegetables has whet your appetite, grab a copy of the Dartmouth Food Festival Cookbook and try Shannon’s recipe for yourself!