Buzzworks Holdings has launched its own in-house Scottish Qualifications Authority accredited training centre to help aspiring employees develop their skills and careers within hospitality.
The centre will be led by the company’s learning and development manager, Holli Gordon, supported by chef trainer, Neil Clark, and bar trainer, Gavin Goslan, and will offer a blend of training and development opportunities, from culinary masterclasses to service excellence, leadership development and hosted brand training.
Holli, who has been an integral part of the Buzzworks operational team for nine years, said: “Our aim is to ignite a passion in young individuals, guiding them towards long-term commitment and growth within our business. This year marks our foundational step into cookery education, with ambitious plans to expand and evolve in the future.”
Buzzworks has recently become accredited to deliver a Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQ) in Professional Cookery for employees, while they gain hands-on experience across the group’s 19 venue portfolio.
Successful applicants will now benefit from paid training while taking part in practical learning on the job.
Described as one of the most talented chef trainers in the business, Neil, who resides in Troon, joined Buzzworks from Six by Nico last year, having worked in some of the country’s top kitchens for over 20 years in a number of Head Chef and operational roles including Braehead Foods, Edenmill Farm and La Vallee Blanche.
Holli continued: “We’re delighted to now have the authority to deliver SVQs in practical cookery in-house. This means we can assess and verify qualifications at any stage of the process, and our training team are able to verify all of our own candidates, ensuring they have all the right skills and knowledge to be able to do their job to the best of their ability.
“Candidates can now learn and earn on the job, without taking time out for college courses. The training is fully covered and incorporated into their contracted hours for the week and will incorporate internal masterclasses, providing a hands-on, high level of cooking where they can create dishes from scratch alongside our talented chefs.”
The training centre, based at Buzzworks’ head office in Kilmarnock, has been operating since September.
Open to individuals of all age groups, the SQA is aimed at those considering a career change or seeking to venture into the hospitality industry, whilst performing at their own pace.
Holli added: “The launch of this has been a big accomplishment for us, and we have high hopes to expand on this in future. We also hope this can encourage parents to recognise the potential for their children to attain a recognised qualification, ensuring a long-lasting career and development within our company.”
