SUNEMPLOYMENT

Carve out a new career as a chef with these tasty new schemes

Jane Hamilton

Published: 0:33, 15 Jul 2022
Updated: 0:33, 15 Jul 2022

CARVE out a new career as a chef.

Three-quarters of our restaurants, pubs and cafes are struggling to find enough cooks, waiting an average of five months to recruit starters with the right skillset.

There are more than 50,000 vacancies nationwideCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk

Although the job pays an average of £28,000 a year, there are more than 50,000 vacancies nationwide.

Research by bottled water brand San Pellegrino found that 55 per cent of chef employers believe there is a wealth of gastronomy talent in the UK — but three-quarters say more needs to be done to attract fresh talent.

Some firms have set up chef “academies” to train young people and career changers.

Here are some of the tastiest new schemes.

BUTLIN’S

THE year-long programme begins with two weeks of training in a purpose-built test kitchen close to the holiday resort in Minehead, Somerset. That is followed by coaching in up to five different restaurants.

Trainee chefs are assigned a personal mentor, with access to industry experts.

Senior development chef Toby Hill says: “This is the perfect platform for anyone wanting to get into the industry.”

See .

JOHN LEWIS

THE retailer is hiring ten apprentice chefs this year and will expand further in 2023. Trainees spend a year in the kitchens of the firm’s HQ, working towards a Professional Commis Chef Level 2 qualification.

for details.

SAN PELLEGRINO

SUSTAINABILITY courses and internships include placements at leading restaurants in Italy.

Details at sanpellegrino .

'Being paid to learn amazing skills'

JESSICA SIMMONS is a trainee in the Butlin’s Chef Academy.

YOU'RE GETTING WARMER

CAN’T stand the heat in your hot kitchen? Or toiling in a boiling office?

Wherever you work, a scorcher is tough. Susan Clews, chief executive of arbitration service Acas, says: “The warm weather may be a blessing for some but many going into work on one of the hottest weeks of the year will not appreciate the heat.”

Here is what your boss should do to make it bearable.

Keep your cool. Switch on fans or air-con and use blinds to block sunlight. Outdoor staff should wear appropriate clothes and use sunscreen.

Stay hydrated. Employers must provide water.

Dress code. Employers are not obliged to relax uniform or dress codes in hot weather but where possible, it may be advisable to relax them.

Travel. If your route to work is affected, let your boss know as soon as possible. You may be able to make other arrangements, such as working from home or different start times.

Vulnerable workers. Some staff – such as the elderly, pregnant women and those on medication – could be more severely affected. Employers might want to provide more frequent rest breaks and fans or air-con units.

Jobspot

FOOD service giant the COMPASS GROUP has hundreds of roles nationwide, including kitchen porters, chefs and bartenders.

Search at .

DRIVE ON CABBIE JOBS

TAXI drivers are essential to the hospitality economy.

But many towns and cities are suffering from a shortage after thousands quit during the pandemic.

SPRING INTO ACTION

MAKE the leap into hospitality with specialist charity Springboard. It trains jobless under-25s for roles in the sector.

Working nationally across the UK, Springboard offers tailored training, work placements and careers events. It also partners with schools and colleges to improve industry teaching.

Duncan Sutherland, 23, recently completed its Learning For Life: Digital Bartending & Hospitality programme, sponsored by drinks giant Diageo.

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He said: “I had my reservations about the prospect of building a successful, long-term career in the industry. But Springboard enabled me to build a wide range of skills.”

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