Orchid Group has launched a new dedicated apprenticeship programme to enhance its Thai offering at Dragon pubs and restaurants.
The scheme is being run in conjunction with Apprentice 1st and is an addition to the pub company’s extensive training and development programme and believed to be a first for the sector.
Orchid has 12 Dragons, which are a fusion of a traditional British pub and exotic Thai restaurant. The division employs many Thai staff, demonstrating the company’s commitment to authentic cuisine and cultural experiences.
Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Professional Cookery
The level 2 NVQ Diploma in Professional Cookery has been developed for Thai chefs to help them enhance the Dragon offering and help Orchid grow a new generation of talented individuals within the company. It is expected that 12 Thai Chefs will enrol in the first course.
The diploma covers topics such as:
Safety and hygiene
Working as part of a hospitality team
Preparing and mixing spice and herb blends
Cooking and finishing a wide range of dishes
Stock management
Meeting nutritional needs
It is a work-based qualification, allowing Orchid’s Thai apprentices to develop knowledge, understanding and essential skills for working in a Dragon kitchen. There is an emphasis on working with others and improving self-performance, and modules are assessed based on evidence of practical learning and written tests.
Two of Orchid’s Thai Chefs will be training to become internal assessors for the Thai apprenticeship to help break down cultural and language barriers for those on the course. This offers a further opportunity for them to develop their career with Orchid.