LIVING Ventures, the company behind The Alchemist, Australasia, Red Door and Smugglers Cove, is searching for the kitchen stars the future - and is making them all from scratch.
The Cheshire-based hospitality giant has teamed up with The City of Liverpool College to create a new chef academy with just 15 places.
The recruitment drive begins this week and budding young chefs from across Liverpool who think they've got what it takes to survive and thrive in the high pressure catering environment are urged to apply.
It follows news in August that the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts is to create a northern branch in Liverpool, in a bid to stop the region's cooking talent heading south.
Read: Royal Academy of Culinary Arts Pairs With Liverpool
It says the academy will give apprentices an opportunity to gain hands-on, paid experience in some of the city’s most successful restaurants.
Prospective candidates are being invited to attend a dedicated chef academy recruitment day, which will take place from 10am until 6pm on Thursday, October 20th at Red Door, Berry Street, Liverpool.
The recruitment day will give a glimpse of what academy apprentices can expect during the programme, which will provide young people with an opportunity to develop their careers and gain a recognised qualification within a real working environment.
Training on offer as part of the programme includes a 4 week “Kitchen Survival Skills” course that will equip apprentices with the knowledge, skills and attitude needed to work as part of a busy kitchen team.
Candidates who are successful in gaining a place at the academy will receive on-the-job experience within Living Ventures kitchens whilst having the chance to attend The City of Liverpool College one day per week to fulfil the qualification element of the apprenticeship. Living Ventures also operates GUSTO and Olive in the city.
In all, the chef academy programme will last between12 -18 months depending on candidate progress. Apprentices will be paid a competitive hourly rate with the opportunity to earn a bonus on successfully gaining their qualification.
John Branagan, chef director for Living Ventures said “This is a great opportunity for anyone who would like a career in fast-paced, exciting industry. The open day is an opportunity to come and meet us, find out more about the course and could be the start of a rewarding career doing something that you love.”
Elaine Bowker, Principal and Chief Executive of The City of Liverpool College, said, “This is an amazing opportunity for young people in the city to develop their culinary talents and progress their career within a very successful company, operating some of the UK’s most exciting bar and restaurant brands.”
The chef academy recruitment day is open to all on a drop-in basis. Candidates can also apply online here
