New culinary academy launched

Related tags Craft guild Competition Employment Trade union

The Craft Guild of Chefs has launched a culinary academy to help develop young chefs.

The academy offers chefs the chance to develop their skills and enhance their skills to offer pubs and restaurant employers.

Martin Bates, CEO of the Craft Guild, said: "The competition training and mentoring that will be given to and by members of the academy will have a knock on and lasting affect in the preparation and presentation of food to customers and clients. This will therefore enhance the offering of any outlet the academy member is employed by.

"However, it is important to recognise that employers need to give their backing to their employees in tangible ways such as time out from the place of work for training and participation in competitions."

Andy Twells, culinary team captain of the academy, said it is vital that emerging talent in the industry was both recognised and nurtured, and thinks competitions are the ideal route. "We have noted a decline in competitive skills in the past few years, and as a competition-focused organisation, we wanted to put an infrastructure in place for people to compete at major and international culinary events.

"The ultimate aim of this scheme is to ensure that in years to come, there will be a plentiful supply of well-trained competitors and the UK continues to grow as a culinary force to be reckoned with. Our aim is to attract passionate young chefs looking for an arena to prove their skills who feel they could bring even more flavour to Britain's catering industry."

Membership of the Culinary Academy, which hopes to become recognised as a centre for competitive excellence, is free to Craft Guild members and open to any chef wishing to become a member and be more involved in competitions or competitor mentoring.

There will be several levels of achievement to work towards, from Junior Academy Member (under 23 with limited competitive experience) to Master of the Academy (level of Achievement Gold in international events and committed to mentorship for the academy). Each carries its own certification and medal of recognition awarded annually.

For more information call 0208 9483870 or visit www.craftguildofchefs.org