The scheme, which gives the unemployed the chance to complete a pre-employment training programme in a pub before gaining a qualification, has now been extended to the kitchen following requests from the industry for help in this area.
Perception Group's new chef's programme will follow the same format as the front-of-house scheme, where young people undertake training in areas such as age verification; drug awareness, customer service, health and safety and food safety.
However, the second part of the training will take them into the kitchen and food service areas where they will learn food preparation, hygiene, menu planning (which includes costing menus), presentation of menus and understanding dietary requirements.
“The great thing about the Perceptions activity is that is designed by operators for operators," said Perceptions Group chairman Keith Knowles, chief executive of Beds & Bars. "We have already had some success with young people being placed in full-time jobs following successful pre-employment and work experience programmes.
“The chef programme is in direct response following requests from operators for help in this area. Using the expertise of the Hospitality Guild and People 1st we have now created a programme that should enable operators to grow their talent pipeline in this essential area of operation.”
Work experience pledge
So far 1,500 placements have been pledged by the industry with over 3,000 apprenticeships made available in pubs across the country.
The Perceptions Group's scheme, supported by a number of pub companies, including Spirit, Stonegate and Yummy Pub Company, aims to provide 15,000 work placements to young people in total to arm them with the skills needed to work in the industry and help secure future talent for the sector.
Its chef's programme is being supported by Young's, which has pledged an initial 10 placements.
Young's recruitment, learning and development manager Heather Williamson, said food was a 'key area of business growth' for the company, so it was vital there were enough trained staff working in their kitchens.
“Attracting enthusiastic, motivated young people who have an understanding of the industry and the role is crucial to reducing turnover and enabling us to invest in our people as they develop their career," she said.
The next round of pre-employment courses are planned for September in the following areas: Birmingham; West Midlands/Coventry; Liverpool. To pledge a work experience placement register at www.hospitalityguild.co.uk/Pub-Bar-Careers or call contact Dan Power at People 1st on 07920 711200.