The UK has a set a target of employing three million apprentices over the next five years, which means a whopping 600,000 learners need to start a programme each year. River Cottage believe that vocational qualifications are a great way to enter the hospitality industry – absorbing wisdom from experienced chefs, while acclimatising to the professional kitchen environment.
A new approach to apprenticeships
Because of this, they have designed a new approach to apprenticeships to make it accessible to both learners and businesses in even the most rural areas.
River Cottage have partnered up with over 70 restaurants, pubs and hotels within the South West to find the perfect place for their learners to work on a full-time basis. Students then come to Park Farm twice a month to train with expert Chef Tutors, who also assess learners in their work place in between these visits.
The new approach doesn’t just teach cookery skills; it also explains the importance of sourcing great produce, and how to respect these ingredients with considerate cookery.
This way, hundreds of young people an opportunity to learn all the things to River Cottage is known for, while being able to live at home with minimal travel.
Benefits businesses
At the same time, this scheme benefits businesses who might not consider taking on an apprentice without the support and regular contact from the Chefs’ School.
River Cottage believe that apprentices should be paid a fair wage as they study, so learners receive at least £3.75 per hour, more than the national minimum wage. This is will see £630,000 invested in apprentice salaries for September’s learners alone.
Martin Doel, Association of College Chief Executive said, “An increase to the minimum wage for apprentices is very welcome in recognising the value that apprentices provide to employers and in recognising the costs that many apprentices have in transport and living costs.”
This remote yet supported learning model is a great alternative to university and could be rolled out in every industry.
Starting in September
River Cottage have opened up their apprenticeship scheme to start in September. Register today for more details.
Apprenticeships at River Cottage
- River Cottage offer level 1, 2 and 3 culinary apprenticeships as well as a separate Food and Beverage Service apprenticeship. They look after approx. 120 learners per year who work in external work-placements and come to River Cottage twice a month
- The educational arm of River Cottage was set up to inspire young people into the kitchen and increase the quality pipeline of chefs into the hospitality industry. We aim to promote River Cottage’s SLOW food philosophy throughout the qualifications.
Any food produced that isn’t eaten by its cook is boxed up in vegetable based containers and frozen. They are sent to St Petrock’s: a charity that support the homeless and vulnerable in Exeter, providing their clients with hundreds of meals