Brian Quarmby, executive chef at Betulla Burning, has cooked up a new scholarship for aspiring chefs – photos 250News

Prince George, B.C. – The College of New Caledonia and one of Prince George’s newest restaurants announced a new student award today.

Donor Brian Quarmby, executive chef at Betulla Burning, bestowed the Brad Horen Memorial Scholarship to CNC professional cook student Nathan Mickey.

Mickey received a $500 scholarship and an apprenticeship to study and work with Quarmby. Mickey starts work next week where he’ll join two other CNC graduates currently working in the kitchen.

“I am very, very excited,” said Mickey. “This is a once in a lifetime experience so I’m pretty proud of it. This is the one place in town I wanted to go.”

Quarmby with scholarship recipient Nathan Mickey

Mickey says he’s not sure what he plans to do down the road but says his first goal is to earn his Red Seal (the Red Seal is a nationally recognized standard excellence in the skilled trades).

Quarmby says there’s a real need for scholarships like this.

“Nation-wide we’re seeing a shortage of good, young cooks who are coming into the industry. It’s a very tough, challenging industry and I think a lot of students are going into different trades. So, this scholarship really gives students an upper hand,” he says.

Quarmby notes the scholarship was inspired by his mentor, Brad Horen, a chef who passed away a couple of years ago.

“Brad was a huge influence on me throughout my career. I really would not be here today without his mentorship,” he says.

“He took me on when I was as 18-year-old cook and kind of an idiot, and he was hard on me but now I really respect that and I respect what he did.”