Training: Whitbread boosts skills development

Last month saw the launch of the 'Whitbread Model' , a six-month apprenticeship developed in conjunction with Awarding Body Edexcel and the People 1st Sector Skills Council.

All Whitbread employees are eligible across its UK operations, including the Beefeater, Brewer's Fayre, Table Table and Taybarns pub businesses.

The apprenticeship has been integrated into the company' existing training and development programmes, and can be achieved in half the time of a conventional NVQ.

Philip Christofis, aged 18, is one of the first beneficiaries, having taken part in a pilot of the apprenticeship at the Royal Oak Beefeater, in Sevenoaks, Kent.

"I started working in kitchens as a pot-wash and then started working on desserts and starters, and learnt a little about cooking during this time, " he says. "However, I did not receive any qualifications."

Philip recognised that a move to Whitbread offered the possibility of career development. "I think the apprenticeship has developed my cooking skills because I've reinforced what I have already learnt at private establishments and have also learnt about cooking to specifications.

"I've also developed my skills in health and safety in the kitchen."

The course was fit around working patterns, with support available from managers and other kitchen staff. Training alongside Philip was William Davison, also 18. "I'd not had any formal training," he says. "I started as a pot washer and was given the opportunity to progress into the kitchen, which I took. The initial appeal was that I would be learning something new, and I would also be able to use my new skills away from work.

"I managed to fit it in whilst I was working due to the apprenticeship being part of my initial training."

Along with basics such as improved food safety awareness, for William one benefit of the training has been a better understanding if the way different ingredients can be combined to create a dish.

Philip has developed pride in serving a well-cooked dish. "I now enjoy cooking steaks the most, because everyone likes to have their steak differently - if you cook it to the customers requirements they will complement you."

He believes initiatives such as the apprenticeship help to promote the sector. "I think that people need to know that there is a career in the pub industry, and an opportunity to gain qualifications

"When you work in a pub sometimes your days can be very challenging - but you meet a lot of people, so it's very interesting job."