River Cottage launches new Traineeship

The new Traineeship programme has been designed to offer young people a stepping stone into the catering and hospitality industry and is considerate of any previous commitments applicants may already have. The programme has been created to offer skills to those who may not already have any formal qualifications or work experience enabling them to find permanent work, or apprenticeship opportunities, in their chosen field.

Due to the high demand of young people applying for the Young Chef Apprenticeship Scheme, who weren’t quite ready for full time employment, we have introduced the Traineeship as a stepping stone to get the applicants ready for work and prepared for the apprenticeship scheme. The Traineeship advises, guides and supports participants over three months, developing their employability skills.

Chris Griffin, Head of Education at River Cottage, said: “It is so important to offer opportunity to young people who are struggling to find employment or access to apprenticeship schemes. The traineeship is targeted at young adults, aged 16-18, who require additional work experience and support in the transition between full time education and employment. I believe this will really support learning and progression within our local community.”

The programme will run at River Cottage HQ, near Axminster, from January to March and will see 18 trainees gaining basic kitchen skills, a certificate in Food Hygiene and advice on CV writing and interview techniques. This experience will help them gain a place on the River Cottage Young Chef Apprenticeship Scheme, which currently trains and places over 60 budding chefs into businesses in the south west.

If you are interested in a FREE place on the Traineeship programme please contact Terri Tipping, on 01297 630313 or Terri.Tipping@rivercottage.net