The Academy of Food and Wine Service (AFWS) has launched a pilot initiative called the Saturday Club, aimed at encouraging young people into the food service industry.
The initiative, which started at the end of last month, focuses on developing restaurant skills for children aged 14 to 16. The free course is taking place at the London School of Tourism, Hospitality and Leisure at Thames Valley University, Ealing, with sponsorship from contract caterer Sodexho.
Running for seven consecutive weeks, the sessions take place on Saturday mornings between 9.30am and 11.30am. Through the course the academy hopes to give youngsters a basic understanding of restaurant service. Skills being taught will include napkin folding, laying a table, and opening and serving wine correctly.
Certificates of attendance will be awarded at the end of the course. AFWS has already received interest from schools near Thames Valley University and plans to roll out the initiative to other regions of the UK through the college network.