Caterplus announces graduate chefs in homeless training initiative

Care caterer Caterplus has announced the graduation of four people from its 'Can Cook Will Cook' catering training programme, run in association with homelessness charity St Mungo's.

During the ten week programme staff from the Milton Keynes based-caterer taught four St Mungo's service-users about health, nutrition and food preparation to assist them in gaining future employment.

Following the final challenge to prepare a Greek-themed banquet for 25 people at a presentation ceremony in Stockwell, South London, the four trainee chefs have the opportunity to be selected for an advanced training programme leading to a paid apprenticeship with Caterplus.

Paul Robottom, director at Caterplus said: "As St Mungo's catering provider, we are firmly committed to providing more than just food and this programme continues to be a successful way we are helping to meet St Mungo's objectives of getting people into long term work.

"The course has been a massive hit with everyone involved and feedback from the trainees has been brilliant."

Trainee chef Alan has been living at a St Mungo's hostel in Covent Garden since summer 2009. He said: "I mentioned I enjoyed cooking and sure enough, the next day they gave me information about this catering course. I applied there and then. I have thoroughly enjoyed it, learning basic knife skills, food hygiene and learning all about different foods."

After graduating, Alan is hoping to be interviewed for the advanced course: "I'd love to do this in the future."

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By Janie Stamford

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