A NEW course for aspiring chefs, in partnership with hoteliers here, has been launched.
The Chef Academy by the Northern Ireland Hospitality School, offers students the the chance to gain a chef qualification and secure guaranteed employment with one of the top hotels in the north.
There is capacity for six successful candidates to enrol in the year-long scholarship which will be delivered through on-the-job training at the Adair Arms Hotel, Galgorm Resort or Tullyglass House Hotel, where students will ultimately secure guaranteed employment.
Successful candidates will gain the nationally recognised qualification (FDQ Level 2 Diploma in Professional Chef - Northern Ireland), delivered by training partner South Eastern Regional College (SERC).
The course represents an investment of nearly £250,000 for the first year. The initial intake will take place in September, with applications now open.
The Northern Ireland Hospitality School opened last April, part funded by Ballymena-based charity The Gallaher Trust. To date, the school has already supported 24 students in gaining full-time employment with partnering hotels through its dedicated Bar Academy.
The launch of its new Chef Academy is the latest development in the school’s plans to support the hospitality sector locally and provide a pathway to employment for those seeking a career in the industry.
Each year, the NI Hospitality School aims to facilitate employment for six chefs and 24 bartenders in a £685,000 annual investment.
Lauren McAteer from The Gallaher Trust said: “For us, the fact that the school facilitates employment for all of the graduates is the ultimate goal and one that makes these courses so attractive to students.
“The Gallaher Trust is delighted to continue our partnership with the Northern Ireland Hospitality School and looks forward to welcoming a new batch of qualified chefs, particularly at a time when the hospitality industry is facing recruitment challenges.”
Thomas Turley, South Eastern Regional College lecturer in Hospitality and Catering, said: “The new course is an ideal opportunity for anyone interested in becoming a chef to gain experience in a busy kitchen working under the supervision of passionate chefs at the top of their game, all whilst gaining a nationally recognised fully-funded qualification and securing guaranteed employment at the end of the 12-month programme.
“The quality of the programme is second to none and offers aspiring chefs a real foot in the door to a fantastic new career alongside top employers. With no formal entry requirements, the course is accessible to everyone that can demonstrate a passion for cooking and a real drive to build their career as a chef. With just six coveted places up for grabs, I would encourage anyone interested to step up to the plate and apply today.”
Applications close on August 29 2022.