The Apprentice Academy was launched this week to coincide with National Apprentice Week and will see the three contract caterers commit to creating more than 200 new roles within their businesses over the next three years.
The aim is to have trained more than 500 apprentices through the academy by 2018.
The companies will be launching two primary programmes, foodservice and professional cookery, where apprentices will work in either front of house roles or kitchen-based positions. There will also be apprenticeship opportunities for young people looking to seek employment in business administration.
The apprentices will work across the UK, in roles such as chefs, baristas and food service assistants in a broad range of environments across a wide portfolio of client locations in business and industry, state and independent schools.
Alastair Storey, chairman, WSH, said: “Our business is built on the talent of our people. We place great emphasis on developing and nurturing individuals who are passionate, enthusiastic and willing to embrace what can be a hugely rewarding career in hospitality.
“This industry can provide a career path like no other and our academy isn’t just about helping young people get into work, it is about investing in the future leaders of tomorrow.
“The opportunities in this industry are often a well-kept secret. Our academy will provide individuals with the chance to get into a career which can be very financially rewarding, as well as offer specific benefits such as Monday to Friday hours, working in iconic locations.
“In this election year, the training and development of the next generation is high on the agenda of all parties. The Apprentice Academy will deliver high quality on the job training that offers a real alternative to university and equip our business with the skills we need to grow and compete.”