ANOTHER important milestone has been reached by Wellington’s A House of Cake, which has taken on its first apprentice.

The independent café, in High Street, which recently celebrated its third anniversary, is continuing to invest in the future of hospitality.

Amal Rihan Palliyalithodi has joined the business as a permanent member of staff and will receive training across all aspects of café life, including customer service, hospitality, food preparation, and food safety.

Owner Lesley Retallack, who runs the business with partner Chris Penk, said the appointment reflected the café’s commitment to developing young talent.

Ms Retallack said: “Supporting young people into employment has always been something we are passionate about.

“Hospitality has given both Chris and me wonderful careers, both in the industry and in higher education, and we are proud to be able to pass on those skills to the next generation.

“Taking on our first apprentice is a really special milestone for us.”

Ms Retallack and Mr Penk, who spent many years as a chef lecturer in higher education, hope to use their combined experience to help young people build confidence and develop skills for successful careers in hospitality.

Amal joins an enthusiastic young team, including Charly Jenkins, who combines working alongside the café’s weekend staff with her full-time college studies in Taunton.

Ms Retallack said: “We are incredibly proud of all our young team.

“Watching them grow in confidence, develop new skills, and become part of our business is just as rewarding as serving great cakes and coffee.

“We hope Amal’s apprenticeship is the first of many opportunities we can offer to local young people.”

Ms Retallack said she hoped to be able to offer more apprenticeships in future as the business continued to grow and support employment and skills within the local community.