The apprenticeship aims to fill a crucial gap in the training landscape for the early years sector, focusing on nutrition and cooking for individuals up to five years-old. The apprenticeship is the result of a collaboration between the Connect2Care team and nutritional therapist Louise Mercieca.
Mercieca is an author, radio presenter and podcaster who is dedicated to education around the link between food and health.
She commented: "It’s extremely important when feeding children to fully understand the impact of the foods we choose for them. Early nutritional intake is crucial to laying the biological foundations for building a brain and a strong skeleton.
“The modules on the course will allow early years practitioners to gain awareness of how food really does shape a child. We should never underestimate just how influential we are when working with children. We really can help shape a child's eating behaviours for life.”
Apprentices on the course will also learn about hygiene, high expectations of compliance, set budgets and managing portion control. Connect2Care is ‘proud’ to be the only training provider offering this specialised apprenticeship for the early years sector.
Mike Worley, managing director at HIT Training, added: "This course not only fills a critical training gap but also ensures that those working with young children are equipped with the essential skills and knowledge to provide nutritious, balanced meals that are fundamental to a child's growth and development.
“By offering this specialised apprenticeship, we are empowering early years practitioners to positively influence the lifelong eating habits of the children they care for, contributing to their overall well-being and future health."
The Production Chef Apprenticeship for Early Years Settings launched on Monday 21st October and promises to ‘revolutionise’ the training available to chefs and practitioners working with young children. For more information, visit here.