Graduates Paul Holder, a manager at Court Catering Equipment, and Callum Kennedy (left) from GastroNorth ltd, were presented with their certificates at a lunch and meeting at Mechline Developments' new headquarters.
CEDA director general Adam Mason said: “Both [Holder and Kennedy] have written to me confirming that since its’ inception the Academy has provided everything they had wanted and more in terms of; a voice, recognition and understanding of CEDA and the wider Industry.
“They are now ready to move on and allow the next generation in their businesses to benefit as they have.
“Paul will be joining our technical cteering group and Callum will be helping to support the northern region. I have no doubt that both are future CEDA board directors should they continue their development and I thank them both for their contribution and input as founder members of the Academy.”
The Academy is set to pass twenty members in April 2018, a milestone that Mason said he was delighted with.
“When we launched there was no recognition of younger people at Industry level.
“I’m grateful to members who have put forward their employees to embrace the initiative and delighted at the feedback I’ve received on the positive impact it has had on confidence and learning.
“The Academy members are a diverse and hugely talented bunch with thoughts, ideas and big plans for the Industry.”
Mason lists the CEDA Sustainability Document set to be launched in the New Year as an idea that came from the Academy.