It will offer at least 40 places this year, with the potential to expand the scheme in the years ahead.
Andrew Richards, human resources director for the foodservice and support services provider, said: “The aim of this industry leading initiative will be to attract unemployed school leavers who have an appetite for developing culinary skills and pursuing a career in the hospitality industry, providing them with an opportunity to earn while they learn.”
The two-year programme will be delivered in three geographical hubs; Manchester, Birmingham and London and will blend professional cookery workshops with in-business mentoring and assessment.
The programme has been designed to support not only the practical competencies associated with professional cookery, but also to help prepare apprentices with the life and business skills needed to increase employability and help career progression.
Added Richards: “People are at the heart of Compass and this initiative will enable us to continue to attract people with a real passion for food and who strive for a career in this industry.
“We understand that in the current climate the jobs market is really tough for young people and we wanted to create a scheme that would help school leavers get on the career ladder while also enabling them to learn while they earn.
“We fully support the Government’s drive to tackle unemployment through apprenticeships and I believe The Chefs’ Academy is a fantastic example of an apprenticeship scheme that provides great opportunities for young people.”
After 24 months of working across a broad portfolio of Compass locations, each successful apprentice will be offered a commis chef position within the organisation.
A year after that, if they have developed their new skills, they will be given additional options for progression through a professional cookery programme at Level 3 stage or a Diploma in Hospitality Supervision and Leadership.