Eight budding chefs have secured full-time positions on their dream career path thanks to a forward-thinking collaboration between Trafford College and the Manchester Hoteliers Association (MHA).
The Chef’s Academy was launched in direct response to challenges faced by the hospitality industry post-covid.
The initiative aims to inspire emerging talent and revitalise the hospitality industry by linking young people with career opportunities provided by the association’s members.
The Chef Apprenticeship is a paid full-time job which equips the student with the necessary culinary knowledge and skills. The qualification is designed to completely immerse the student into the industry, encompassing practical experience, college education and industry exposure and is financially supported by the hotel itself.
The academy’s next intake will be December 2023 and, until then, various events will be held across the remainder of the year, including guest chef evenings, enrichment days and charity dinners at Greater Manchester colleges.
Lola Docherty, head of studies – Hospitality, Hair and Beauty at Trafford College, said:
“We are looking to motivate young learners to see the potential of working in the hospitality sector. We are here to work with them to get the best results and be the chefs of tomorrow.”
Adrian Ellis, general manager of The Lowry and chair of the Manchester Hoteliers Association, added:
“We have seen excellent progress in the Chef’s Academy initiative and it’s been fantastic to receive such positive feedback from the apprentices involved. Our aim, with the help of the city’s key hotel operators, is to see the hospitality industry thrive. We want to integrate younger talent into this sector and inspire them to start their career in hospitality.”
The Manchester Hoteliers’ Association (MHA) is a non-profit organisation, chaired and managed by the hotel General Managers, which is dedicated to promoting and developing Manchester’s hospitality and tourism industry.
