Hilton Worldwide unveils plans to recruit 50 chef apprentices

Hilton Worldwide chef apprentice Maddie Baker aged 18

Hilton Worldwide has unveiled plans to recruit 50 budding chefs to join its Chef Apprenticeship Academy.

The programme will offer students a 12-month apprenticeship, which combines on-the-job training using either college-based courses or hotel based master classes.

Highlights of the programme include the chance to earn while you learn, executive head chef masterclasses which could be with the likes of Michelin-starred Galvin at Windows, an insight into the workings of a diverse number of Hilton Worldwide hotel brands and personal mentoring.

Ben Bengougam, vice president, human resources, Europe, Hilton Worldwide, said: "Getting the right people is integral to our growth strategy and at Hilton Worldwide we are passionate about giving people the opportunity to realize their potential. The Chef Apprenticeship Academy is aimed at nurturing and developing a new generation of chefs, with each apprentice having the prospect of a full-time commis chef role on completion of the programme."

Chris Grayling, minister for Employment, added: "Youth unemployment is my biggest priority in government and often I have asked business to join us in giving opportunities to young people. I am delighted that Hilton Worldwide are rising to this challenge and offering people the chance to train and work at their Chef Apprenticeship Academy. I look forward to the day when these apprentices run their own Michelin-starred restaurants."

Each apprenticeship is fully funded, including tuition fees and travel expenses, and participants will receive a salary during the programme. Working in partnership with Westminster Kingsway College, the aim is to achieve an NVQ Level 2 in Professional Cookery with the option to progress to NVQ Level 3.

The Chef Apprenticeship Academy has already succeeded in training around 60 apprentices, who have completed the programme since its launch in 2010, with the current 12-month programme due to complete this summer.

Applications for the Chef Apprentice Academy are being considered until 10th June, with the programme commencing between July and September. Anyone interested in this or any other job opportunities at Hilton Worldwide should visit www.hiltonworldwide.com/careers.

Words: Clare Riley

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