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Faye Szpytma joined Sodexo as a chef apprentice at Colchester Garrison in 2023 and has quickly become one of Sodexo’s brightest rising stars.
Today, she stands as a powerful example of how passion, opportunity and the right support can unlock extraordinary potential, and her story continues to inspire the next generation of Sodexo chefs.
Faye began her journey on a Defence site unlike any other. Colchester Garrison is home to 3,000 soldiers and supported by 500 Sodexo colleagues. With eight bustling kitchens and a central production unit, the site is a fast-paced, high-volume environment perfect for a young chef eager to learn.
After stepping into a newly created apprenticeship role Faye immediately made an impression.
Faye thrived in her Level 2 Chef Apprenticeship. She embraced each rotation across the different kitchens including the central production unit; every masterclass with Sodexo’s partner, HIT Training and the hands-on coaching she received from Sodexo’s executive head chef.
In May 2024, Faye completed the programme with a Distinction and secured a permanent role with Sodexo in the Officers’ Mess. But Faye wasn’t done, within a few months she started her Level 3 Chef Apprenticeship as she wanted to progress even further. This enables Faye to learn new technical skills as well as help her develop so she can support site-wide culinary initiatives and take on early supervisory responsibilities.
Her achievements tell their own story. She has received external recognition with two bronze awards as well as an award for health and safety at International Salon Culinaire Awards held at the ExCel London and was a finalist for the East of England in the 2025 National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards.
Faye also competed in an internal salon culinaire where she competed against her colleagues from Colchester Garrison and took home best in class and silver in the Plated Main category and gold in the Cakes and Bakes category.
What makes Faye’s journey so inspiring isn’t just her achievements — it’s her determination, her curiosity, and her willingness to embrace every opportunity.
Faye balances her apprenticeship with learning support, yet continues to take on new challenges with confidence and purpose. Her commitment has earned her a place on Sodexo’s talent pipeline, and with the launch of a new Chef Academy at Colchester Garrison, she will soon help shape and support the next group of apprentices coming through.
With aspirations to become a head chef within the next five years, Faye represents everything Sodexo believes in: developing people, creating opportunities and helping talent flourish.
For Sodexo Faye is more than a successful apprentice — she’s a role model, a leader in the making, and a glimpse into the future of its culinary community.
