To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week (5-11th February), LACA launched four apprenticeships for the school catering industry. They include:
- Level 2 School Catering Assistant/Production Chef
- Level 3 Senior Production Chef
- Level 4 Hospitality Manager
- Level 5 Operations Manager
Anita Brown, chair of LACA, the school food people said: “I am delighted to be able to launch these exciting opportunities for training and development for our colleagues working in key roles in schools feeding our young people every day. Working in the sector to deliver healthy and nutritious school lunches is a hugely worthwhile career only enhanced by the achievement of a nationally recognised award.”
The apprenticeships, which are nationally recognised and designed by school catering and training professionals, aim to provide people with the skills, knowledge and behaviours that are essential for feeding the nation’s schoolchildren.
Jill Whittaker OBE FCA executive chair at HIT Training, added: “Our mission is to transform lives, shape futures and create income opportunities that allow everyone to reach their full potential and acquire essential skills for life. We are delighted to be working in partnership with LACA and Cambrian Training as part of this exciting apprenticeship initiative.”
The unique partnership with HIT in England and Cambrian Training Company in Wales provides employees and employers a direct route to specific and tailored advice and information as to how to access relevant funding, what is the best level apprenticeship for an individual and tailored support for learners.
Faith O’Brian, managing director Cambrian Training Company, commented: “Cambrian Training Company is delighted to be partnering with HIT Training and LACA to provide work – based apprenticeships to LACA’s members in Wales. Working in hospitality and catering are important roles and we are keen to support the professionalisation of the industry across all sectors, working with our employer and learner clients across Wales.”
Each apprenticeship has a fact sheet available on the LACA website which provides full information. Typically, each apprenticeship takes one year to 18 months to complete and can be completed in the workplace.