Chef returns to his roots to give young people chance to kickstart their culinary career

A locally trained chef, who returned to his roots to launch an inspirational community based culinary school for young people, has been recognised at this year’s Audit Learner Awards.

Birmingham-born Adam Pickett has enjoyed a successful career working in restaurants around the world and as a personal chef to famous footballers like Kevin De Bruyne and Jamie Vardy.

He came back to the West Midlands and opened Bluebell Wood – an eatery in Chelmsley Wood.

Adam saw how young people were struggling to get to the city centre for training and jobs so set up the Chelmsley Starters Culinary School at Bluebell Wood with funding and support from University College Birmingham (UCB)

The initiative gives Adam the ability to pass on his passion for food to local youngsters through training courses designed to help them master the art of cooking and kickstart a culinary career. 

Students at the cafe cook and serve high quality, but affordable, dishes to the local community and are helping to put Chelmsley Wood on the region’s food map. 

Adam, who is also the academic director of commercial culinary operations at UCB, was last night (Wednesday July 8) presented with the Community Learning Champion title at the Adult Learning Awards. 

The annual event showcases the remarkable achievements of adult learners, as well as the collaborative efforts of employers and training providers working in partnership with the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).  

Adam said: “Young people started this course last year with low confidence and hardly any self-esteem. Some had even experienced bullying at school. 

But the range of opportunities they have had in this kitchen has seen them find a passion – right here on their doorstep.  

“I came from a single parent family and experienced similar challenges but my lecturers at UCB took me under their wing after I left school. 

The most important thing to me now is nurturing these young people and ensuring they have a similar career to myself.  

“By offering our enthusiastic young learners the chance to take masterclasses with Michelin-starred chefs we can help them to flourish and realise their potential.   

“We also offer support with their academic learning so they can achieve the level they need to secure their dream careers. And they can earn while they learn, gaining valuable work experience.  

“My hope is that they will go on to become successful chefs and represent our talented region – I would love to see a Bluebell Wood open up in every suburb in the West Midlands.”  

Adam’s passion for cooking was ignited as a youngster in Perry Barr rustling up dishes with his grandad at his allotment.

He went on to secure a place at the Birmingham College of Food, Tourism and creative studies, now University College Birmingham (UCB) before working in Minorca, Paris, Australia and as a private chef for various professional Premier League footballers, including Vardy and De Bruyne.  

 His dedication to his Chelmsley Starters Culinary School saw him continue running courses even while receiving treatment for prostate cancer - from which he is now in recovery.   

Despite only opening in December 2025, there are already nearly 40 learners working on site, and double that is expected next year. Around 80% are from the local community.   

The Adult Learning Awards underline the commitment of Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, to give residents access to high-quality skills training and meaningful opportunities for personal and professional growth.  

The winners and finalists represent a diverse range of contributions - from individual learners and dedicated tutors to innovative skills providers and large-scale partnerships between organisations.  

The mayor said: “Adam is an inspiration. He has brought his expertise and passion back to the region to pass on to a new generation.    

“These awards showcase the incredible work of people like Adam in changing people’s lives for the better.  They are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our adult learning champions and show the wealth of talent and potential we have in the West Midlands.  

“Hearing the stories from the shortlisted nominees brings home the role played by so many in helping local people improve their job prospects, whether through apprenticeships, skills bootcamps, or innovative programs like Chelmsley Starters.  

“Congratulations to the winners, those shortlisted and everyone who has been involved and thank you for sharing your inspirational experience and journeys.”   

Pictured: Adam Pickett and mayor Richard Parker