Birmingham chef Adam Pickett has been named the Community Learning Champion at the West Midlands Combined Authority's Adult Learner Awards for 2026. He was recognised for his dedication to helping young people access training and employment opportunities through his culinary school.
From Grandad's Allotment to Culinary Success
Pickett, who runs Bluebell Wood in Chelmsley Wood, discovered his passion for cooking as a child in Great Barr, preparing dishes with his granddad on his allotment. He later studied at the Birmingham College of Food, Tourism and Creative Studies, now University College Birmingham (UCB). His career has taken him to restaurants around the world and he has worked as a personal chef for footballers including Marc Albrighton and Jamie Vardy.
In December 2025, with funding and support from UCB, where Pickett serves as academic director of culinary operations, he established the Chelmsley Starters Culinary School at Bluebell Wood. The school offers training courses designed to help young people master cooking and launch their careers. Students cook and serve high-quality, affordable dishes to the local community.
Overcoming Personal Challenges
Pickett continued to run courses at the school even while undergoing treatment for prostate cancer, from which he is now recovering. Since opening in October 2025, nearly 40 learners have achieved their City & Guilds qualification on site, and that number is expected to double next year.
Pickett 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."
He added: "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."
Masterclasses with Michelin-Starred Chefs
The school offers masterclasses with Michelin-starred chefs to help students flourish and realise their potential. Pickett explained: "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 so they can achieve the level they need to secure their dream careers. And they can earn while they learn, gaining valuable work experience."
His ambition extends beyond Chelmsley Wood: "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."
Recognition from West Midlands Mayor
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker praised Pickett's work: "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."
Parker added: "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."
Full List of 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
