8th Feb 2011 - 00:00
Image
Abstract
To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week (7-11 February), chef Jason Atherton is teaming up with a group of apprentices from Compass and Leeds City College to create five dishes which will be appearing on the menu at his new restaurant, Pollen Street Social, due to open this March.
Hosted by KPMG at its London headquarters on 10 February, this event will form part of a Culinary and Hospitality Forum run by Restaurant Associates (Compass' executive dining business).
The event will be attended by Restaurant Associates' clients, including many blue chip companies, as well as representatives from the National Apprenticeship Service, the Skills Funding Agency and People 1st. Supporting this event and also in attendance will be John Hayes, minister for skills and lifelong learning.
Atherton said: "We have seen a huge change in the British restaurant and catering industry over the last decade and we now have some amazing chefs producing outstanding food. "To ensure our industry continues to thrive it is essential that we have new blood rising through the ranks and I believe apprenticeships play a key part in this. It's great to see that Compass has so many talented young chefs within the business and I look forward to helping them showcase their talent at this event."
Vicky Williams, HR director for learning & development, Compass Group UK & Ireland, added: "Our people are at the heart of Compass and central to our ethos is employing great people and providing them with real opportunities. "This event is a perfect example of our commitment to vocational qualifications and we are delighted that Jason Atherton is supporting this event, enabling our apprentices to learn from such a talented British chef."
During National Apprenticeship Week, each member of the Compass Group UK & Ireland Executive Team will also be shadowed by a Compass Academy apprentice and the following week 30 Academy students will be part of the catering team at the BRIT Awards, this year being held at the O2 Arena.