Business

Training schemes launches for graduates and apprentice chefs

Apprentice Charlotte McGrath pictured with Employment Minister Stephen Farry and Niall McKenna of James Street South as they launch the second Apprentice scheme run by the award-winning restaurant
Apprentice Charlotte McGrath pictured with Employment Minister Stephen Farry and Niall McKenna of James Street South as they launch the second Apprentice scheme run by the award-winning restaurant Apprentice Charlotte McGrath pictured with Employment Minister Stephen Farry and Niall McKenna of James Street South as they launch the second Apprentice scheme run by the award-winning restaurant

A SUCCESSFUL apprentice programme for trainee chefs is returning to Belfast for 2015-16 with double the number of students being offered the chance to hone their skills.

Award-winning chef Niall McKenna has relaunched the scheme for 16 new hopefuls who will benefit from a year-long placement in his cookery school while gaining professional qualifications through Belfast Metropolitan College at the same time.

Three of last year's young recruits gained full-time employment in McKenna's James Street South restaurant through the programme - described by the restaurateur as a "solid investment" in the future of world-class hospitality in Northern Ireland.

"Our apprentices will receive ongoing training and development through weekly workshops in our cookery school, as well as regular activities to ensure a greater appreciation of food, like meeting producers and others in the supply chain," he said.

"This is geared for aspiring chefs who have the determination to succeed, learning from leaders in the industry and cooking with local produce to create the dining experience for which James Street South is famous."

Meanwhile Employment Minister Stephen Farry has also launched the first Financial Services Academy for graduates.

The 12-week course will provide 16 graduates with six weeks' training followed by a six-week work placement in a local financial company.

On completion, they will gain an 'Investment Operations Certificate' through the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment - as well as a potential offer of employment from a participating company.

"The expansion of the financial technology and services sector is key to the growth of the Northern Ireland economy," Mr Farry said.

"This Academy will ensure that local financial organisations have skilled graduates ready to secure employment with their companies."

Applications for the James Street South apprentice programme close on August 2nd - more information available at www.jamesstreetsouth.co.uk/about/apprenticeships.

Graduates interested in applying for the Financial Services Academy can submit applications online - http://finser.mindmill.co.uk - before the closing date of July 17.