Run in association with the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts, the ‘Live College Tour’ will kick off 3 December, as The Staff Canteen sends chefs from each sector to Westminster Kingsway College (London) in a ‘first step to tackling the chef shortage at grass roots level.’
The line-up includes: culinary director at Compass Group UK & Ireland, Rob Kennedy; John Williams, executive chef at The Ritz London (who studied at Westminster Kingsway); Alyn Williams, chef patron of Alyn Williams at The Westbury and The Wild Rabbit; Glenn Evans, head of food development at Las Iguanas and Ruth Hansom, part of the college’s alumni and head chef at Luton Hoo.
Williams commented: “On behalf of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts, it is a pleasure to be involved with The Staff Canteen Live College Tour and join such an experienced and varied panel.
“The hospitality industry is incredibly diverse and the panel only goes to show a cross section of what is on offer - listen and learn from us as we have been there and done it.”
Culinary director at Compass Group UK & Ireland, Rob Kennedy, added: “Our young chefs need inspiration as it develops interest and accelerates passion.
“Food is our fuel and within our industry, we have one of the most exciting and diverse opportunities for young people to develop their skills, global knowledge and self-confidence.”
Highlighting the career options available within the culinary industry to Westminster Kingsway third year students, the panel discussion will also be live streamed on The Staff Canteen’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.
Mark Morris, The Staff Canteen founder of The Staff Canteen, said: “Our panel are some of the most successful chefs in the industry today. However, they all began their career in a very similar environment to the students who join the tour, either in person or via the live stream.
“I hope we communicate that our panel have been successful through hard work, and all that is separating the students and them, is a structured career path and a strong work ethic.”
Hansom added: “I think that it is important to nurture and encourage young people into the industry.
“It can be tough but also just as rewarding, which is why it’s important to find the best route for you.
“It’s key to show young people all the avenues as they are so diverse. Finding an alternative route still within the industry will prevent them from leaving it all together”.
With four events planned in total, the organisation is also donating £1000 to charity Hospitality Action, which continues to help past and present industry workers in times of need.
HA chief executive Mark Lewis said: “UK hospitality (industry) will never resolve its enduring skills shortage until it takes proactive steps to sell itself as a career of choice – and that starts with showcasing why it’s such an amazing sector to work in.”