Programme aims to develop talent and help tackle recruitment challenge
The company behind venues such as Cold Town House in Edinburgh and The Spiritualist in Aberdeen has launched its own chef development programme in a bid to help tackle recruitment challenges and skill shortages within the industry.
Signature Group, which operates 21 bars, restaurants and hotels across Scotland, said its 12-week Junior Chef Development Programme is designed to equip candidates with “the key skills required for chefs in the early stages of their careers”, and will include both practical and theoretical learning; topics will range from systems, dish creation and costings, to food and supplier knowledge – including supplier visits – as well as pizza and pastry-making skills.
The course will be led by Signature Group’s development chef, Graeme Windsor, and training manager, Lauren Napier, and will include guest speakers.
Junior chefs completing the course will receive a certificate, individual training plans and one-to-one follow-up sessions to help prepare them for their next step.
Louise Maclean, business development director at Signature Group, said the programme aims to “positively enhance the skills” of chefs and attract new talent to the group over time.
“It is unfortunately a common problem across the hospitality industry now that for a number of reasons, there is a real shortage of chef talent,” she said.
“We’re very proud to announce the launch of our new development programme which we hope will go some way in nurturing the individuals we are already lucky to have in our company.
“Plus, having our own comprehensive training course which will allow chefs the chance to really hone their skills in a supportive and friendly environment will help us to stand out in the industry – so that we can also attract new talent in the future.”
