Yummy - which runs six pubs across the South East - will offer seven chefs with mixed levels of experience the chance to work, learn and live at its four London pubs.
The academy launched this week by welcoming 25-year-old chef Josh Astarita, who was homeless and unemployed before starting the scheme.
Astarita is now living above Yummy’s Somers Town Coffee House pub while working in the kitchen.
'Creating opportunity'
The academy is the brainchild of the group’s founders Anthony Pender, Jason Rowlands and Tim Foster, who launched the business in 2007.
"It’s about creating opportunity and nurturing talent," said Pender.
“It’s already working. Within less than 24 hours since we launched the academy we’ve been inundated with messages from aspiring chefs. The best part about it is that we genuinely don’t care about their level of experience, it’s about their passion, not their past.”
The aim is for trainee chefs to run their own kitchens within 18 months, and eventually have the skills to set up their own business.
“Let me make this clear – this is NOT just another job ad," said Rowlands.
“Our Chef Academy trainees will all live together above Somers Town Coffee House with the purpose of sharing their talent and immersing themselves in all things food, I like to think of it as the Yummy food hub!”
Chefs will be taken on trips to the group’s country pubs, learn about foraging for ingredients and get the chance to work with top UK chef talent.
Those who want to apply for the Academy can email Jason at jobs@yummypubs.co.uk with a few words about themselves, why they love cooking and a photo of them working in a kitchen.
No CV is required and the candidates will be announced in the next few weeks.