Spirit launches chef training scheme and plans to double number of apprentices

The ApprentiChef programme is available for young and aspiring chefs who want to begin a career within the hospitality sector and have the intention of progressing to become a kitchen manager.

The 30-month apprenticeship will see candidates take on a number of training exercises from leadership development to project management. Spirit said the tasks will enhance the learner’s technical abilities and provide them with the experience and knowledge required to move up the career pathway.

The scheme joins Spirit’s suite of five apprenticeships. More than 1,000 candidates are currently studying one of the courses and the pub company said it plans to double this number over the next year.

'Exciting career path'​

Lynne Kennedy, who heads up food quality training at Spirit, said: “This is a great opportunity to grow our own kitchen managers of the future. With the school leaving age increasing and more people looking at apprenticeships as an alternative to university, we believe the ApprentiChef programme offers an exciting career path for young people who are looking to get into the hospitality industry.

“The programme culminates in qualifications that are the equivalent of 10 good-grade GCSEs and offers the prospect of moving into a management position in one of our pubs.”