Hub Box to launch chef apprenticeship in Cornwall

South-west bar and burger restaurant Hub Box is launching a chef apprentice scheme, providing an opportunity for local people to kick-start their culinary career and achieve a recognised qualification.

Due to launch on 24 February, the pilot scheme will be rolled out across all four Cornwall-based Hub Box restaurants, with one apprentice in each. The scheme will offer apprentices the opportunity to study for their Level 2 chef qualifications in a tailored programme crafted to meet the specific requirements of Hub Box’s chef roles, created in collaboration with St Austell Brewery and the Rick Stein Group.

The 12-month course will see the apprentices work and learn under the supervision, guidance and coaching of the brand's head chef, sous chef and head of food. They will be trained, coached and mentored in Hub Box kitchens while attending Truro College every other Friday during term time.

At the end of the programme, each apprentice will be required to undertake a three-month end assessment to complete the programme and achieve their Level 2 chef qualification.

Hub Box founder Richard Boon says of the initiative: "The new apprentice scheme builds on our ambition to make Hub Box a favourite place for our customers to visit and an awesome place to work for our people. None of our success would be possible without the hard work, passion and commitment of our talented team and it’s important for us to also work hard on attracting and retaining great people through the creation of ongoing learning and development opportunities.

"Hospitality is a great industry to work in, and our apprentice scheme gives our chefs a chance to gain qualifications which will open doors for them in the future, hopefully in-house as we expand Hub Box, and for their careers in the wider industry."

The four Hub Box apprentices will be part of a cohort including those from St Austell Brewery and The Rick Stein Group, building their restaurant industry connections and experience. If successful, Hub Box intends to extend the offering to its restaurants outside of the county.

Applications for the initiative are now open. For more information about the scheme and how to apply please contact people partner, Donna Leadbeatter, by emailing: [email protected].

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