The Production Chef Apprenticeship Programme has been designed for those working in care and senior living settings, to equip participants with the skills to prepare nutritious and balanced meals tailored to the dietary needs of individuals in care homes, assisted-living facilities, retirement villages and hospices.
Created in partnership with hospitality apprenticeship provider HIT Training, the 12-month programme comprises modules, which include kitchen dynamics, the production and presentation of dishes, safety essentials, kitchen management and stock control, plus adaptation and modification of food.
Laura Tighe, business director at White Oaks, said: “Our commitment to personalised care means we need our chefs to be talented, with a unique skillset - to serve those within a healthcare and senior living environment to the highest of standards.
“This will ensure we are fully equipping participants with the knowledge, skills and confidence to create delicious, nutritious meals that support health and wellbeing, across diverse dietary needs.”
The course will provide the opportunity to achieve a Level 2 Production Chef Apprenticeship. The Chefs will also have access to an L1 Mental Health First Aid Awareness Course and a 12-month affiliate membership with the Institute of Hospitality (IoH). Colleagues have been selected for the inaugural wave, which recently launched at Compass’ head office in Chertsey.
Participant in the programme John Cooper added: “I am really excited to be joining the first wave of this new apprenticeship programme. This is a great opportunity for me to take my career to the next level - it’s great to have a programme dedicated to this specific area of expertise.”