The Rick Stein Group has been recognised in the National Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer list.
After a rigorous selection process, the list of the “most exceptional employers” has been compiled by the National Apprenticeship Service.
The list was announced yesterday (Jan 26) at the National Apprenticeship Awards in London.
Sue Husband, director of the National Apprenticeship Service, commented: “The Top 100 Apprenticeship employers have a made a difference to the lives of young people by investing in their future. Apprentice employers are creating opportunities for young people to gain the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.”
Rick and Jill Stein created their professional cookery apprenticeship programme in 2008 to invest in talented individuals, living in Cornwall, who were passionate about professional cooking.
Since launching the scheme, over 50 employees have taken part with many progressing to more senior roles and three working their way up to head chef positions within the company.
Rick Stein commented: “I’m often told I should retire to which I reply ‘no thank you’. The reason is that I enjoy my job so much now helping young people to become professionals in the hospitality industry and developing their skills and experience.
“I admire and get excited about the way our wonderful team of chefs and front of house staff pass on their knowledge to our apprentices and find visiting Truro and Penwith College, and talking to young people and feeling their enthusiasm, quite moving. It is so important not only to teach young people, but also to inspire them and that’s what I think a good apprenticeship scheme is all about.”
