‘Speedy Chef’ training scheme gives employers food for thought

Some of the North East’s top hotels are Backing Young Britain by undertaking a unique training and recruitment initiative which tackles skill shortages in the hospitality industry by taking on Apprentices.

Leading the way is the Marriott Hotel Group, which has taken on three Apprentice commis chefs, through the ’Speedy Chef’ training programme, developed by the North East Employer Coalition (NEEC) and Jobcentre Plus.

Jason Ayre, 20, from Kelloe in County Durham, secured work as an Apprentice commis chef at Durham Marriott Hotel Royal County after taking part in the training.

Jason said: “I was lucky to be offered a place on the programme. I received a generous training allowance, travel expenses, chef’s whites, chef’s knives, learning materials and examination fees.”

Catherine Olley, HR Director from Durham Marriott Hotel Royal County said:

“The partnership approach of this programme, which has included support from NEEC, the National Apprenticeship Service, Jobcentre Plus and VT Group, is helping to solve these skill shortage issues. This is critical to future success, not just for our hotel group, but for the hotel industry as a whole.”

Delivery of Apprenticeships including advising employers, engaging with learner organisations, providing funding for apprenticeship training and a web-based apprenticeship vacancies system, is the responsibility of the National Apprenticeship Service.

The Apprentices undergo a special selection process and a 12-week intensive training programme, co-ordinated and led by the NEEC.