Hilton Worldwide to recruit 50 chef apprentices for 2012

Hilton Worldwide is looking to recruit 50 young chefs to join its Chef Apprenticeship Academy this summer.

The programme, which has already trained around 60 apprentices since the academy launched in 2010, will offer students a 12-month apprenticeship, combining on-the-job training from some of the company's leading chefs, with either college-based courses or hotel-based masterclasses.

Ben Bengougam, vice-president, human resources, Europe, Hilton Worldwide, said that the company was passionate about giving people the opportunity to realise their potential. "The Chef Apprenticeship Academy is aimed at nurturing and developing a new generation of chefs, with each apprentice having the prospect of a full-time commis chef role on completion of the programme," he said.

Minister for Employment Chris Grayling added: "Youth unemployment is my biggest priority in government and often I have asked business to join us in giving opportunities to young people. I am delighted that Hilton Worldwide is rising to this challenge and offering people the chance to train and work at their Chef Apprenticeship Academy. I look forward to the day when these apprentices run their own Michelin-starred restaurants."

Each apprentice is fully funded, receiving a salary, tuition fees and travel expenses. Working in partnership with Westminster Kingsway College, the scheme aims that each apprentice will achieve a NVQ Level 2 in Professional Cookery with the option to progress to NVQ Level 3.

Maddie Baker, 18, one of Hilton's current chef apprentices, said she loved her training from day one. "Though it's hard work, you can't beat the sense of achievement you get from working as a team and delivering a beautifully prepared dish," she explained.

The Chef Apprenticeship Academy has already trained around 60 apprentices since it launched its training programme in 2010, with the current 12-month programme due to complete this summer.

Applications for the Chef Apprentice Academy are being considered until 10 June, with the programme commencing between July and September. Further details are available at www.hiltonworldwide.com/careers.

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By Janet Harmer

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