The Chelmsley Starters site provides free training to young people and adults from the local area. Offering a platform for level one learners to gain vital experience within a realistic working environment, the site has a state-of-the-art kitchen and new equipment donated by Hobart.
The new kitchen features some of Hobart’s latest cooking innovations including the new Chef’sCombi and MaestroFlex horizontal range, alongside new warewashers, including its latest undercounter with Cutlery Premium functionality that saves time.
Each day, under the watchful eyes of UCB lecturers, students cook for scores of hungry shoppers, providing them with the opportunity to gain employment, apprenticeships, or continue their food education at the main UCB culinary site in central Birmingham.
A fortnight before opening, Hobart also arranged an enrichment session for the students, with Michelin-starred chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen putting them and the new equipment through their paces.
Scott Duncan, managing director at Hobart, said: “If the thriving learning environment of the original Bonnet kitchen, situated at UCB’s main campus, was the first chapter in our partnership with the UK’s most respected culinary college, then the Chelmsley Wood project represents a proud continuation of our journey together.
“This is a site like no other, offering young people their first taste of the industry we love and the chance to experience pure cooking pleasure on equipment that can help bring their passion and flair to life. As soon as we saw UCB’s vision, we were all in. The chance to offer support, mentorship and opportunities to young people looking to make their mark in hospitality is – and will always be – one of our foremost priorities.”