The programme brings together 12 chefs and 12 front-of-house colleagues, learning side-by-side. Restaurant Associates hopes their achievements will inspire future colleagues to follow in their footsteps.
Over 18 months of learning alongside their full-time roles, the apprentices gained invaluable experiences — from working with Michel Roux and visiting suppliers to deepening their understanding of produce to participating in plant-forward menu training.
Adolfo Azevedo who has been with Restaurant Associates for fifteen years and a member of the apprentice cohort, said: “What I’ve gained most are the friendships and strong business partnerships with suppliers. I’m a much more effective hospitality manager - better at planning ahead and feel more connected to the chefs and culinary team.
“One highlight was the amazing experience of working with Michel Roux. I had the privilege of joining his team at Le Gavroche back in November 2023 before they closed and participated in the dinner service—it was truly a memorable day. Apprenticeship programmes like this create a strong bond between front-of-house and back-of-house teams.”
Restaurant Associates supports over 50 apprentices across Levels 1 to 7 within the business, including 26 chefs and culinary staff. It also nurtures growth through its Future Leaders Programme and the ‘Forward with Marcus Wareing’ programme.
Luke Ford, delivery manager for skills & early careers at Compass Group UK & Ireland, added: “Learning and apprenticeships aren’t just for young people. We want everyone in the business to explore what we offer, feel valued in their role, and be inspired to develop their skills.
"The Collaborate Programme has been a tremendous success, and we're excited to see it continue evolving to meet the needs of both back-of-house and front-of-house teams.”