October 1st, 2013
Liverpool based Hugh Baird College is linking with a team of celebrity and industry leading chefs to deliver a chef training programme – which is the first of its kind in the UK.
The Pro Chef Training programme starting on September 30 will be rolled out across the Bootle college’s newly launched L20 Hotel School.
It will enable professional chefs from across the UK join more than 20 cutting-edge courses throughout the year presented by leading lights of the UK hospitality industry.
L20 Hotel School director Mike Mounfield said it will be the first time structured, self-funded professional development courses for chefs have been delivered by industry leaders in a state funded college, which further provides student and lecturer access.
He said the Pro Chef Training programme will cover the latest trends and techniques in catering to help existing chefs ramp up knowledge and skills.
Celebrity chefs, including two time winner of the BBC Great British Menu Kenny Atkinson, will join the programme delivery team.
Star and creator of BBC TV’s Art of Service programme Fred Sirieix has also signed up to deliver sessions alongside another Great British Menu chef Mary-Ellen McTague.
The courses will be managed in partnership with hospitality consultants visionarydining.com.
“This is a terrific development for the newly launched L20 Hotel School,” said Mike. “The Pro Chef Training programme is a first in UK hospitality and an initiative that is long overdue. Our ambition is for the L20 Hotel School to become a nationally recognised training centre of excellence for the hospitality industry. We are extremely pleased to have secured such high calibre chefs to help with the delivery of the courses. We can’t think of a better way for aspiring chefs already in industry to develop than by spending time with outstanding industry leaders who continue to prove themselves in industry day in day out. It’s our plan to use the stars of today to shape the stars of tomorrow.
“We are keen to make the L20 Hotel School the supplier of choice for hospitality education and training at all levels,” said Mike. “This is why we are delivering pioneering courses combining traditional student education and professional training. We believe we are addressing the missing link in hospitality education, training and development.
“Key to the vision is teaching of the fundamental basics linked directly to what industry and employers require from students when entering industry. We have listened to leading figures in the sector, we know there is a skills gap which urgently needs to be filled, and we have responded.”
Other chefs set to lead Pro Chef Training courses include Rupert Rowley, Michelin Star chef at Fischer’s Baslow Hall in Derbyshire, and Chris Holland, head chef at the award winning Alderley Edge Hotel in Cheshire.
The programme will officially start on September 30 with a master class by Chris Holland. The content of the course has been inspired by visionarydining.com managing director Gordon Cartwright – a chef himself who was born and raised in Garston.
“In working with the L20 Hotel School it was important to recognise that the restaurant industry is one of the few industries left in the UK in which continued professional development is not part of the career culture,” said Mr Gordon. “At the L20 Hotel School we’re working to deliver cutting edge training opportunities for chefs nationwide, but in particular chefs looking to bring added value to their business. The L20 Hotel School marks a shift in culinary and food service education thanks to its links to a team of nationally acclaimed chefs and professionals sourced from across the UK.
“The courses have already started to attract national interest with chefs booked on the first course travelling from as far afield as Leicestershire,” said Mr Gordon. “The course Chris will host is a hands on day. During the morning session he will demonstrate challenging dishes from his menu and during the afternoon delegates will replicate one of them to the best of their ability. The finished dishes will be judged by a panel of experts and the winner on the day with then accompany Chris to the Pro Chef final, a special competition being held at the L20 Hotel School in November.”
Hugh Baird College’s L20 Hotel School was launched in August in a bid to deliver high quality chefs and service staff to establishments across the region and beyond. It will deliver intense training for students and professionals in newly built and refurbished bars, dining areas, restaurants and kitchens.
For information on Pro Chef training contact the L20 Hotel School via phone: 0151 3534518 email: enquiries@L20hotelschool.co.uk
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