English Lakes Culinary Academy an annual, fully accredited apprenticeship programme for aspiring chefs.
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The Culinary Academy
English Lakes are delighted to welcome both young school leavers and more mature students who are keen to train to become Chefs. Perhaps they already have a passion for the culinary arts or simply have an awakening interest in exploring the possibility of a career in this fast-paced, creative industry.
This is an opportunity to train whilst also being employed by English Lakes Hotels, Resorts & Venues. Successful applicants will work alongside our Head Chefs at one of our Lake District hotels or Lancashire hotels. This element of in situ training is an invaluable way of introducing the students to professional life in the kitchen of a 4* hotel. They will be part of a team delivering high end dishes in our restaurants and bars.
One day each week the students will attend a specific training session, whether that is a supplier visit, culinary demonstrations, skills day at college, or theory-based learning.
"This is a great opportunity for the next generation of chefs to expand their skills and make a start in the catering industry."
Inspiring Chefs to be the Best
The Culinary Academy students will be overseen by Daniel Winstanley, Group Executive Chef who also heads up the Academy. Daniel has many years’ experience of training chefs, having worked as a Lecturer in a local catering college, and becoming La Parade de Chefs Medal Winner in 2014 and awarded Grade 1 Outstanding from OFSTED. He has a passion for inspiring the next generation of Chefs to become the best in their field.
The Course
This is a fully accredited City and Guilds Level 2 Production Chef course of study. The programme is tailored to suit our preferred apprenticeship model. The curriculum is modular and includes both theory and practice, culminating in a Part 1 assessment and an online exam at the end of the first year. Part 2 of the course includes a 2-hour workplace observation and a professional discussion with the assessor on how they have contributed to the vision and values of the company and the continued success of the business.
What is a Production Chef?
Working in our busy, fast-paced kitchens, you will be part of a team supplying high end food for the restaurants, bars, conferences and weddings in our 4* Hotels. Our apprentice chefs will get to know many of our standardised recipes and menus, delivering food sometimes in high volumes. You will be highly organised and learn to work in a methodical way with accuracy and attention to detail.
Topics Covered on the Course
Kitchen operations - techniques, brand specifications, safe handling, procedures
Nutrition - key nutrient groups, adapting dishes, specific dietary religious and allergenic needs
Legal & Governance - legal requirements, health and safety, completion of legal documentation
People - communication, customer service, supporting team members
Business - vision, values, objectives and reputation, financial impact, sustainability
Commercial & Personal Development - identify personal goals, development opportunities, different learning styles
The Benefits that Students will Enjoy
There are many benefits of working for English Lakes. Apprentice chefs can expect to benefit from:
- Full Commis Chef apprenticeship qualification after just 1 year
- Good rates of pay
- Company benefits, Health Club Membership and discounts
- Complimentary meals while at work
- Complimentary stay at one of our 3 hotels or 5 star Inn on your birthday
- Knife set to carry out your daily duties
- Cookery book & recipe book
"Great fun and an unforgettable experience"
Career Progression
Once you have successfully completed your Level 2 Production Chef course there will be an opportunity to continue training with the Culinary Academy. The next step is City and Guilds Level 3 Chef de Partie.
You will continue to learn under the guidance of our English Lakes Head Chefs whilst also benefitting from day release classes where you will learn the theory and skills necessary to manage a specific section of the kitchen and create and prepare dishes for our 4* hotels, restaurants and bars.
English Lakes Hospitality Academy
Brand new for 2022, we are introducing our English Lakes Hospitality Academy in partnership with Kendal College. The fully accredited course leads to a Hospitality Team Member Level 2 qualification.
This programme will provide you with knowledge & skills required to make the best start in a career within Hospitality, supported by English Lakes. It will include training in all aspects of hospitality, masterclasses from industry professionals, guest speakers and collaboration between other hotels.
The course content will include:
- Leadership Skills
- Customer Care
- Team building & building a team, collaborative working.
- A diverse tutor and mentor group of professionals,
providing talks, demonstrations and masterclasses.
- Reflective, personal goal setting, regular opportunities
to talk with tutor and mentors.
- COSHH, Current legislation around the use of chemicals
- Food safety in Catering Award Level 2
- Advice on career progression within the hospitality industry
All students will have the benefit Expectations, a great opportunity to understand the culture, history and opportunities at English Lakes Hotels. Other exciting opportunities will be a masterclass in the art of Coffee and becoming a Barista, a 'Take Over' event at one of our hotels, and a visit to an international Food & Drink expo in London.
How to Apply
For more information on how to apply for the Culinary Academy or the Hospitality Academy, fill in the below form or contact group.chef@englishlakes.co.uk