Chester Grosvenor executive chef launches chef academy to develop young talent

The Simon Radley Kitchen Academy will offer 10 apprenticeships to 16 to 24-year-olds every year, giving the selected few the chance to work alongside Radley and his brigade in the hotel's kitchens. 

"Winning a place in the Simon Radley Kitchen Academy is a chance to learn, earn and become one of the gifted chefs of the future," said Radley 

“Those lucky enough to be chosen will be matched with a mentor from my experienced kitchen team learning every aspect of my kitchen."

Apprenticeships​

The 80-bedroom hotel has run a successful apprenticeship scheme in partnership with Total People for the last 18 years, with former apprentices including sous chef Daniel Beech, senior sous chef Steve Worth and David Gilmore, now executive chef at Thornton Hall Hotel and Spa.

However, Radley felt that taking things a step further and setting up an academy to increase the number of apprenticeships would help address a shortage of chefs for his own restaurants and others in the area.

His move also coincides with the Government's decision to extend the Apprenticeship Grant until March 2014​ and widen the criteria of the scheme. Under the rules of the scheme, employers are given a grant of £1,500 for each apprentice taken on and can recruit up to 10 apprentices aged 16-24 each. 

Each apprentice chosen will be paid while they learn on the job full time in the hotel's kitchens to supply food to the Michelin-starred Simon Radley at the Chester Grosvenor, Parisian bistro La Brasserie and meetings and events facilities. Classroom training will be provided by Total People and apprentices will complete an NVQ level 2 in professional cookery.

While a job isn't guaranteed at the end of the apprenticeship, Radley is hoping that apprentices will be retained and will work in restaurant's kitchens on its completion. 

"I'm looking for hardworking, self-disciplined and motivated wannabe chefs who are prepared to show me their talent and go the extra mile," said Radley. "I’m looking forward to seeing how much culinary talent we have in Cheshire and the north west.”

The academy will launch on 11 March with an open day at the hotel from 2pm to 7pm. Potential apprentices will be invited along to meet current learners and go on a behind-the-scenes tour of the kitchens and restaurants. 

To register to attend the open day email xvgpuranpnqrzl@purfgretebfirabe.pbz​.