The Alumni Network is a new arm of RACA, set up to ‘inspire’ young professionals to become the next generation of dedicated chefs, pastry chefs and restaurant managers, at a time where the industry needs it most.
Attendees had their first opportunity to network with like-minded professionals and hear from those at leading institutions throughout the country. They listened to talks from:
- John Williams MBE, chairman of RACA and executive chef at The Ritz
- Adam Byatt, chef and proprietor at Michelin-starred Trinity Restaurant in Clapham and chef director of food and beverage at Browns Hotel, Mayfair
- Alistair Birt, senior head pastry chef at Harrods
- James Golding, group chef director of The Pig group
Those who join the Alumni Network will benefit from mentoring, networking and career development opportunities from RACA members, who ‘strive for excellence in their respective industries and have helped to shape the British culinary scene into the progressive and inspirational industry that it is today’.
Richard Larkin, managing director of RACA, said: “Present times have encouraged us to adapt and challenge the problem of our hospitality workers becoming disenfranchised within the industry. Our Alumni Network has been launched to improve the talent pipeline, by giving young workers the opportunity to collaborate, whilst also being able to interact with our inspirational Academy members, who provide a first-class hospitality experience to customers.
“The Academy’s ethos has always been to continue the progression of culinary excellence throughout the UK, by delivering educational schemes, opportunities and training, therefore we are delighted by the launch of the Alumni Network and look forward to seeing the scheme progress.”