Stratford-upon-Avon College and Solihull College & University Centre have teamed up with The Kitchen & Co to help upskill their growing workforce through tailored apprenticeships.
The Kitchen & Co is a collective of high-quality event hospitality businesses situated in Oxfordshire. Offering high quality catering for corporate and private events, The Kitchen & Co also operates wedding venues, pop-up restaurants and supper clubs. With such varied services, staff and apprentices gain a holistic view of the business through rotation and learning the operations of events from start to finish.
James Brierley is a Chef de Partie apprentice. After finishing school he wanted to get into industry rather than follow the traditional academic route. Having started his cooking journey at the age of seven, James is now excelling in his role at The Kitchen & Co having already run two sections for the company. He will also have the opportunity to showcase his skills through competitions, demonstrating Executive Chef Davey Smith’s confidence in his protégé.
As an apprentice, James’s own confidence has grown significantly. He has also learnt of the time pressures and the importance of being hyper organised in the kitchen. James commented: “Apprenticeships are great as you get to experience and learn in the industry whilst getting paid, the course covers loads of essential skills and has been very useful for my career so far, especially as I’m training to be a chef at The Kitchen & Co.”
Having started his career as an apprentice, Executive Chef, Davey Smith, comments: “As an apprentice myself, the apprenticeship program is close to my heart. It’s so key within our industry that we nurture young talent. With the apprenticeship program open to all ages, this gives an opportunity for people who may not have ever been in the hospitality industry to pivot their career, which I believe will be a massive benefit.
At the Kitchen & Co we are passionate about cementing the future of our trade through the training of apprentices. We are building a community of talent, and as we are an events business, we are giving our apprentices massive opportunities & experiences that would be hard to get at other establishments.”
Food and Beverage Apprentice, Delphi Norris-Aston, started working with the company three years ago whilst studying at College. After her studies, Delphi took up an opportunity to do an apprenticeship. Delphi enjoys the family feel atmosphere whilst at work and has had received excellent support from her employer and the College. She particularly enjoys the opportunity of working and learning at the same time and is constantly learning something different.
Delphi has progressed in her role and manages venue viewings on her own. Following her apprenticeship, Delphi’s ambitions lie in hospitality management and hopes to progress upon completion of her current training. Delphi commented: “Doing this apprenticeship has made me more confident and I’ve learnt new skills, such as working behind the bar and running my own section on our pop-up events. I also love being able to work and learn from my colleagues whist still having fun and having the support from them.”
Operations Executive, Mae French, comments: “I genuinely think apprenticeships are such a great idea, especially in hospitality, because you learn by being part of a real working environment from day one. You build practical skills, confidence, and experience while also gaining qualifications.
When I was younger, I didn’t realise apprenticeships were such a strong career route, but looking back now, I can see how valuable they are. At The Kitchen & Co, it’s amazing to be able to offer that opportunity and help support the next generation coming into the industry.”
