A newly-opened Italian restaurant chain is nurturing new talent as it takes on dozens of staff from Allerton and the surrounding areas.
Prune Park, which is part of the Pesto in a Pub chain which has eight other sites across Manchester and Liverpool, has seen a real boost in trade since it opened its first site in Yorkshire in October.
Taking over the Punch Taverns’ owned Prune Park in Wilsden, the Pesto in a Pub restaurant has proved popular with residents from the surrounding areas and has become well-known for its Piattini, tapas-style dishes and picturesque location.
32 staff recruited
Ian Russell, General Manager at Prune Park, said: “We could see the site’s potential; the building had so much charm and character, offering wonderful views. We wanted to offer the local community something different and in the last six months we have also taken on 32 members of staff from the area.
“Our staff work across all areas and at Pesto we recognise the potential in our employees and the importance of nurturing new talent. We have identified 11 members of staff across different departments who we feel have a real future in the catering and hospitality industry.”
Training and development
External training company, JHP, will be conducting the training, with qualifications ranging from a Level Three NVQ in Management to a Level Two NVQ in Food and Beverage.
Aarron Jagger, who is working towards a Level 2 Food and Beverage NVQ qualification, said: “I’m really pleased that I have been given this is opportunity to develop skills in different areas of the business, like the health and safety and customer service. As it is work-based, I don’t have to miss shifts and it enables me to apply everything I learn to my workplace and the Pesto in a Pub brand.”
From unemployed to career prospects
Ian Russell continued:“Before working at Prune Park, 90 per cent of our staff had been unemployed for a long time. Not only do they have a secure job, but the opportunity to build on it and forge a career in an industry they have a passion for.
“Pesto in a Pub are looking to develop 12 new sites this year so there are potentially internal opportunities for growth and development within the chain itself.
“It’s great that we have been able to facilitate this opportunity and I wish all of the staff every success in their studies.”
Prune Park Lane, Allerton, Bradford, BD15 9BJ
01274 483516