The University College Isle of Man (UCM) is welcoming aspiring chefs to find out more about the new ‘Manx Culinary Apprenticeship Scheme’ at their upcoming open evening on Tuesday 19 November, between 4pm – 7pm at the Homefield Road Campus, Douglas.
The new fast-track apprenticeship scheme is primarily based around workplace employment with apprentices completing a 12-month programme that incorporates one day a week at UCM and four days in the working kitchen of an employer.
The apprenticeship is open to all residents over the age of 16 years and while previous kitchen experience would naturally be advantageous, there are no specific entry requirements other than a desire to learn culinary skills. Employers are encouraged to pay apprentices in excess of a normal apprentice training wage, with a minimum of £12,000 per annum. Upon completion, successful apprentices will be awarded a NVQ Level 2 ‘City and Guilds’ Diploma in Professional Cookery and will have qualified to work full time within the local hospitality and catering industry. The next course will commence in January 2020.
Jo Pretty, Principal at UCM, said:
‘This new scheme enables apprentices to gain valuable experience in a busy kitchen environment whilst learning the theory to complement it. The course has been designed to allow for individuals with no kitchen experience which opens it up to those who have a passion for cooking and a willingness to learn.
‘By providing a fast-track course with a strong focus on hands-on development and the opportunity to gain greater insight into the industry, we hope we have created an attractive proposition of work-based training, studying and earning a wage.’
Mark Wilson, Managing Director of Sleepwell Hotels and Board Member of Visit Isle of Man commented:
‘It’s been really pleasing to see such fantastic support from fellow hoteliers who have come on board and agreed to support the scheme as an employer of apprentices.
‘This course offers individuals a unique paid opportunity in a secure environment to test how their passion for cooking can be harnessed into a career offering multiple opportunities for development, creativity and often travel. Apprentices will have the chance to pursue their passion in a vibrant learning environment within one of the Island’s renowned hotels or restaurants where they will receive the highest level of culinary training while working alongside our seasoned experts. With the next in-take in the New Year, this is the ideal time for anyone who may have previously considered a career in hospitality but not pursued it for some reason or other, to take a step forward and apply.’
Applications are now being taken for this scheme with a starting date of Monday 27 January 2020.
For more information and/or to apply, applicants and businesses should visit ucm.ac.im/courses/hospitality-catering/ or email Chris Franklin, Deputy Manager of Hospitality and Catering at UCM, at chris.franklin@ucm.ac.im or call +44 1624 648344.
