A Cedarbridge graduate has become the first Bermudian to earn the Red Seal for cooking after 11 years of hard work.

Jerl Dill, who started his career as a kitchen porter at The Reefs in 1999, passed multiple exams and put in more than 8,000 hours of work to achieve the Red Seal, an internationally recognised Canadian standard for skilled workers.

"It's hard work with a lot of loud yelling," Mr. Dill said. "But I have always loved food, and I just kept pushing on. If you want to do this, just stick with it. Never give up. There are going to be hard times but find a way to make it through."

As a 20-year-old, Mr. Dill started working in the kitchen at The Reefs, washing dishes and taking out the trash.

Becoming more interested in food preparation, Mr. Dill was enrolled in the Bermuda College Culinary Programme, working at The Lemon Tree before starting work at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess as a chef apprentice.

In 2006, Mr. Dill attended Nova Scotia Community College before being sponsored by the National Training Board to attend a six-week preparatory course at Holland College, in Prince Edward Island.

Yesterday, Labour Minister Sen. David Burch honoured Mr. Dill, who throughout the course earned his Certificate of Apprenticeship, Certificate of Qualification and the Canadian Interprovincial Standard, or Red Seal Certification.

"This is an outstanding achievement of an 11-year quest to achieve this milestone, and a clear example of single minded determination," said Sen. Burch. "He never gave up.

"So many of our young people have talent and want to pursue their dreams. We must continue to embrace them and assist wherever possible to ensure that we build a greater, more sophisticated, and skilled workforce."

Thomas Frost, Executive Chef at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess, said: "I'm pleased that Mr. Dill took part in this apprenticeship programme. I hope his pursuit will inspire others to consider a career in hospitality."

Asked if he plans to return overseas to work, Mr. Dill, who is currently working as Chef de Partie at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess, said: "I would like to get married and start a family."