Since 2000, over 100,000 young people have taken part in FutureChef with many beginning successful careers in the industry through quality apprenticeships schemes and work experience opportunities with FutureChef mentors and sponsors.
This has supported industry chefs with their CSR objectives as well as the local economy as the skills and experience young chefs gain help businesses develop, be successful and grow.
Springboard’s FutureChef was developed to support schools and students aged 12-16 to have ongoing regular interventions with local industry professionals, deliver vibrant interactive demonstrations, skills development sessions, access to educational resources and work experience as well as a chance to take part in the FutureChef competition.
Eddie Ware, mentor chef at BaxterStorey, said: “FutureChef prepares young people for quality work and life after school by providing employment and education opportunities in the industry, transferable skills training, with ongoing coaching and support. This year I was very pleased to mentor a FutureChef contestant from the local final to national final.”
Through Springboard’s FutureChef Eddie Ward has employed candidates such as Erin Drummond who completed work experience at BaxterStorey where she gain skills which deepened her passion to become a chef and work within the hospitality industry.
Springboard is calling industry chefs to get involved, mentor and develop young enthusiastic chefs through skills sessions in schools, guiding competitors from the local final stages and beyond with their menu planning, cooking skills, budgeting and preparation.
Chefs are encouraged to work with the Springboard team to conduct a Look & Learn activity, ‘Have a Go’ session, offer a student work experience or mentor this year’s FutureChef through the competition.
To get involved visit www.futurechef.uk.net or email programmesa@springboarduk.org.uk