River Cottage Gives Young People a Taste for Cooking with The Prince’s Trust

River Cottage HQ opened up its state of the art Chefs’ School to a group of budding chefs for a Prince’s Trust Get into Hospitality programme in May. The course offers vocational training and practical experience to unemployed young people who are interested in the hospitality industry. Following successful completion of the course, ten young people have now been invited back into the kitchen to complete the school’s Level 2 Professional Cookery Apprenticeship Scheme.

Chris Griffin, Head of Education at River Cottage Chefs’ School, says: “This was a new experience to many of the young people, some of whom had never made an omelette, so I’m delighted they’ve picked up the tricks of the trade so quickly and I look forward to tracking their progression over the coming year.

“With 28% of unemployed 16-24 year olds spending over a year out of work, it’s vital that we continue to offer talented young people the opportunity to get back into work and our apprenticeship scheme is just one way that we can make this happen.”

New chef apprentice Chris Mason, 20 from Plymouth, says: “I liked trying and learning new things at River Cottage. Getting the cookery qualification means a lot to me, it will change my life completely. I am quite nervous to start the whole process but am very much looking forward to it all.”

Bev Britton at The Prince’s Trust, says: “We’re delighted that our partnership with River Cottage has been so successful. It just goes to show that this programme has all the right ingredients to give young people the best chance of securing jobs; a pinch of passion, professional teaching and practical experience is all it takes to move them forward on their journey to success.”

Last year, The Prince’s Trust helped more than 540 disadvantaged young people across Plymouth and Torbay gain the skills and confidence they need to find a job. Three in four young people supported by The Prince’s Trust move into work, education or training.

Apprenticeship places are available to budding chefs aged 16-24. While places are free, there is a limited availability. For information about apprenticeships at River Cottage please contact Terri Tipping on rceducation@rivercottage.net or visit http://www.rivercottage.net/chefs-school/.