As part of the duo’s Get into Hospitality with CH&CO programme, eight candidates undertook three weeks training at CH&CO venues across the country, including ZSL London Zoo, the Law Society and Historic Royal Palaces, learning an array of work and life skills.
Under the guide of CH&CO chefs and front-of-house staff, they learned about health and nutrition; barista and knife skills; health and safety, and customer service. They also picked up valuable life skills such as managing finances and employability.
One programme graduate, Alec, commented: “I can’t believe how much I learned in just three weeks on the Get into Hospitality programme.
“Before, I wouldn’t have believed that I could prepare food correctly or make a proper cappuccino. I also learned some really useful life skills that will help me, like managing my finances.
“I now know that I want a career in hospitality and I’m so excited to have been given a role at 113 Restaurant (at the Law Society).
“I’m grateful to the Prince’s Trust and CH&CO for giving me the opportunity and confidence to go for it.”
Commending all candidates for showing a ‘genuine hunger to pursue a hospitality career,’ CH&CO has committed to provide “on-going support to all of the graduates through further training and employment opportunities.”
Its marketing and communications director, Andrew Merrett, added: “It’s been amazing to work with the Prince’s Trust on the Get into Hospitality with CH&CO programme.
“People are at the heart of a successful hospitality business and we have a duty to invest in the development of future generations of talented hospitality professionals. The eight young people that took part in the programme are a great example of what people can achieve given the right opportunities, guidance, mentoring and encouragement.
“Every single one of them made the most of the experience with fantastic results.
“The new-found confidence we saw as they spoke at the graduation event was inspiring. They clearly gained so much from the programme and it’s been an absolute privilege to watch them grow both as professionals and people in such a short time.
“We’re more than happy to welcome them into our team and we look forward to watching them and their careers continue to grow.”
Olivia Jeffery, corporate partnerships executive at The Prince’s Trust, said: “What the young people have learned during the programme has not only motivated them to pursue their careers in this exciting industry, but also increased their confidence and life skills which is so incredibly important.
“We are so grateful to partner with CH&CO to give young people the chance to live, learn and earn and we look forward to seeing what opportunities the future may bring.”