The scheme aims to recruit young people that have missed out on employment, training or further education. They will gain a level 2 NVQ while working and, should they make the grade, they will be taken on by the company.
Helen Dhaliwal, director, said: “Our apprentices will not only have the opportunity to learn essential skills in food preparation, presentation and service, they will be helped to develop a work ethic that will allow them to flourish in the hospitality industry.
“We feel the Red Hot World Buffet & Bar's apprenticeship scheme is an excellent way to give back to the local communities that are so integral to our success.”
Expansion
The chain, which opened a venue in Deansgate in May, is looking to expand from six to 18 outlets over the next three years.
“The company is expanding by 300 per cent from six to 18 restaurants over the next three years,” added Dhaliwal. “If this scheme is successful we intend on becoming the biggest provider of apprenticeships in the UK.”
The scheme, run in association with the National Apprentice Service (NAS), will be for young people from Manchester, Nottingham, Leicester, Northampton, Milton Keynes, Liverpool, Leeds and Cardiff.
“Red Hot World Buffet & Bar's investment demonstrates their commitment to developing opportunities for local people to gain skilled employment,” said Andrew Barlow, account manager at the NAS.
Delighted
“This has the added benefit of ensuring the company is equipped with a highly skilled workforce of their own, which will allow them the freedom to continue their expansion across the UK.
“The NAS are delighted to be supporting them in this programme.”
Most of the apprenticeships will be offered in Manchester, its biggest restaurant. Vacancies are advertised on the NAS website at www.apprenticeships.org.uk.