The new Professional Cookery Diploma has been recognised with a National Training Award for its contribution and commitment to training.
The diploma, which was developed by sector skills council People 1st and City & Guilds and officially launched this year, was a response to industry calls for ‘work-ready’ entrants who could hit the ground running in their first catering jobs and not require remedial training.
Designed to develop competent chefs and revolutionise the way cooking is taught in UK colleges, the course focuses on providing practical experience and solid foundations of cooking techniques.
Phil Raynsford, strategic development director at People 1st, said the award was a huge achievement and recognised the most important development in chef training in the last decade.
“This award recognises the effort and commitment that has gone into not only shaping the education system to meet employer needs, but also persuading government to change its funding policy and give more money to the hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism sector,” he said.
People 1st and City & Guilds collected their award at a gala dinner organised on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills by UK Skills.
More than 50 institutions currently offer the national qualification, teaching around 3,000 students per year.
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By Emily Manson
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