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 Adult Learner Awards. 

Birmingham-born Adam Pickett enjoyed a successful career working in restaurants and hotels around the world and cooked for famous footballers like Mark Albrighton and Jamie Vardy. 

But his heart was always back in the West Midlands, so he came home to open Bluebell Wood – an eatery in Chelmsley Wood. 

Adam, along with UCB, saw how young people were struggling to get to the city centre for training and jobs. So, with funding and support from University College Birmingham (UCB),  along with a fantastic team, he set up the Chelmsley Starters Culinary School at Bluebell Wood. 

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).  

After being presented with his awards at Birmingham’s STEAMhouse venue, 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 and getting part time work, so they can achieve the level they need to secure their dream careers and gain 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 Great 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 cooking for various professional footballers.  

 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 October 2025, there are already nearly 40 learners, that have achieved their City & Guilds qualification 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.”  

The Adult Learning Awards ceremony was hosted by award-winning broadcaster, author and event host, Ed James, best known to audiences across the West Midlands through his work on BBC Radio WM.  

A passionate advocate for the region, Ed has spent more than two decades telling the stories of its people, communities and businesses, and is a Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands.  

Ed said: “Adult learning is one of the most powerful routes to confidence, opportunity and social mobility. These awards celebrate people who have backed themselves, often against the odds, and taken steps to build a better future.  

“That deserves recognition and it’s exactly the kind of story the West Midlands should be proud to tell.” 

Presenting the awards alongside Ed was outstanding award-winning apprentice, Santina Bunting, one of only 150 students in her year to embark on an apprenticeship journey straight after taking her GCSEs.   

She completed her Level 3 civil engineering apprenticeship with Arup with a distinction in just two years and is now working towards her Level 6 apprenticeship at University of Warwick. She is also one of Arup’s advocates for life-long learning.  

Santina said: “I'm delighted to be back for a second year co-hosting the Adult Learner Awards. Learning has always played a significant role in my life. Since leaving school at 16 to begin my first apprenticeship, and now progressing through a degree apprenticeship, continuous learning has been a constant throughout my journey.   

“That’s why it is such a privilege to be part of an event that celebrates the transformative power of education. These awards are especially meaningful because they demonstrate that learning is truly lifelong.   

“Our finalists come from a wide range of ages and backgrounds, yet they all share one common trait: a commitment to personal growth and development through learning. Their stories are inspiring and it is a pleasure to celebrate their achievements at the awards.”  

Stephen Evans, chief executive of Learning and Work Institute, the independent policy and research organisation, who helped develop the awards, said: “Lifelong learning has the power to open doors, build confidence and create new opportunities. That's why we're proud to support the West Midlands Adult Learning Awards for a fourth year in partnership with the WMCA.   

“These awards celebrate the inspiring achievements of adult learners, tutors and organisations whose commitment to learning is transforming lives and strengthening communities across the region.  

“Congratulations to all the winners for 2026. We hope your stories inspire more people to take the next step in their learning journey.”  

Full details of winners and individual profiles are available on the WMCA website.  

2026 Adult Learning Award winners:  

• Lindrea Isaac (BMet) – Adult Learning Educator  

• Adam Pickett (University College Birmingham) – Community Learning Champion  

• Elizabeth Heath (Severn Trent) - Employer Skills Champion  

• Open Door (City of Wolverhampton Council and local employers) – Partnership Award  

• The Comm-Cast project (Adult Community Learning Dudley) – Innovation in Adult Learning  

• Mohammed Azeem (Sandwell Adult and Family Learning) - Inspirational Adult Learner  

• Ricky Finlan (Halesowen College) – Adult Learner of the Year - Skills for Work  

• Kathleen Poole (Sandwell College) – Adult Learner of the Year - Skills for Life  

• Keegan James (Performance Through People) – Transforming Lives Through Learning  

More award winners stories like Adams’s will be shared over the coming months.

Watch a video of the Mayor with Adam at Chelmsley Wood here.