Q&A with Mo Elhrabi - 2024 ACOTY winner

The winner of Compass’ annual Apprentice Chef of the Year (ACOTY) competition has been announced as Mohamed Elhrabi (Mo), Commis Chef from ESS, following the final taking place at our flagship regional community skills and learning hub - Xcelerate with Edgbaston.

As part of Hospitality Apprenticeship Week, we speak to Mo about his victory, his career journey to date and what the future holds.

How does it feel to have won ACOTY?

For me to win the ACOTY title feels like a dream come true, I really couldn’t be happier it’s an absolutely amazing feeling and I’m over the moon with the results. I’m so proud of myself and of my achievement as a Chef. Having taken on an apprenticeship and now becoming a Commis Chef – winning the competition is the confidence boost that all my hard work has paid off.

Who supported you through the experience and how?

I wouldn’t have achieved this without support from my Executive Chef, Peter Smith and Chef Academy Principal at HIT Training, Chef, Mark Belford - I have learned a lot from them. I will never be able to thank them enough.

You were a finalist last year - how did you take that experience and learn from it?

I was one of the finalists last year, coming third in the competition. I promised myself I would learn more and I have practiced a lot since then, that’s made me believe that hard work pays off. Both competitions have been learning experiences, which I am very grateful for.

How are you going to prepare for the event in November cooking for 100 people?

Preparing my menu for 100 people - the real challenge! I am looking forward to it, preparing, perfecting my menus and I’m so excited to lead the brigade, what an amazing opportunity.

What does the future look like for you?

I will never stop learning and never stop practicing! Hard work pays well, I will continue to develop my skills and look around to my colleagues for advice and guidance.

Mo has also been shortlisted for a Multicultural Apprenticeship Award in the Retail, Tourism and Hospitality Category which will be announced in November.

I’m thrilled that I have been shortlisted for this award! No words describe how I feel about it, I just couldn’t be happier! I am looking forward to the event next month - good luck to all the finalists.