The culinary school will be based at Lakefield Hospitality College in London and will host a series of apprenticeship masterclasses where aspiring chefs can develop their knowledge and skills. There will be day courses on practical skills and menu design as well as theoretical courses to support tomorrow’s leaders.
Masterclasses delivered by industry experts and culinary activities will include learning about diverse menus from around the world, street food, sustainability, the ‘farm to fork’ philosophy, how to design vegan menus, including visits to Billingsgate Market and others.
Umbrella Training, chief executive of Adele Oxberry, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Lakefield College to launch the Umbrella Training Cookery School, having already enjoyed a long-standing relationship with them. We’ve made a substantial investment to develop this school, which will help apprentices build their confidence, skills and knowledge by offering them ready access to industry experts, engaging masterclasses, and exposure to creative and diverse cooking.”
In month ten of their apprenticeship programme, there will also be the opportunity for apprentices to take part in a three-day trip to France to study different cooking methods.
There will be places for 10-15 apprentices per session, which will also involve peer-to-peer reviews and industry experts on-hand to offer learning support, career guidance and mentorship.
Andrew Green, chief executive of the Craft Guild of Chefs, added: “We all know the hospitality industry is desperate for staff, particularly chefs, and it’s vital that the industry invests in chef development, from new entrants to the industry all the way up to executive level. We are delighted to see organisations like Umbrella taking these steps. This cookery school will help the industry retain chefs by upskilling them and allowing them the opportunity to get creative in a professional kitchen environment."