Welsh brewer and pub operator S.A Brain and Co Ltd has launched a scheme to kick start the culinary careers of school leavers.
The ‘Brains Chef Academy’ is in partnership with ACT and Cambrian Training, and will see apprentices gain knowledge and experience while gaining an NVQ Level One Food Preparation.
Each apprentice has been paired with a Brains’ pub chef. Over the course of 12 weeks they will learn practical cookery skills, prepare food and understand how a commercial kitchen operates.
The scheme is intended to help young school leavers find work and also provide on the job staff training and qualifications to help keep Brains’ pub estate supplied with skilled workers.
Susan Thomas, Head of Retail HR at Brains explains: “We’re focussing on school leavers who want to pursue a career as a chef but haven’t yet had the opportunity. We need more quality chefs within the hospitality industry and this is a great way of ensuring we have the supply to meet our growing requirements”.
On completion of the program and their NVQ Level 1, graduates of the academy will have the opportunity to join Brains as an employee and the option of progressing to NVQ Level Two in Professional Cookery
Ruth Morris of Cambrian Training added: “By joining forces with ACT we’ve been able to deliver an entry level training programme for in a quality work environment. Hopefully we’re developing the next generation of chefs.”
