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Thomas Franks, the UK’s leading family-owned catering partner, has launched a chef apprenticeship for school leavers. Craft is targeted at young people (aged 16-19) seeking an alternative to traditional education in a global company renowned for education, learning and development.
Across the UK, apprenticeship applications outnumber available opportunities by three to one, and more than a third of young people are in no training or education at the age of 18. The new Craft programme by Thomas Franks aims to provide a pathway for young people who may find themselves excluded from economic life due to their location, age or educational outcomes.
Apprentices will complete the PLG Level 2 Commis Chef course over 14 months and their statutory learning will be supplemented by an extensive series of culinary masterclasses through the Thomas Franks Chef Academy. Apprentices will have a core workplace at one of Thomas Franks’ locations, and will also spend time visiting different kitchens across the business, which includes the headquarters of global brands such as Autotrader, Adanola, Barings, Dentons, EA Sports, Leigh Day, Somerset County Cricket Club and Withers. The company also have an extensive profile in education, catering to many of the country’s leading independent schools.
Vicky Freeman, Chief People Officer at Thomas Franks, said: “We are deeply committed to learning and development, so the launch of a 16-19 apprenticeship programme was a natural step. Kitchens are the perfect place to learn on the job, where creativity is encouraged, and where experience and expertise are passed down through the ranks.
“We know that formal education isn’t for everybody. Many of our employees – including our board of directors – didn’t take A-Levels or go to university, and they have built excellent careers in an industry that values their skills and experience, rather than their formal education. I am entirely confident that our first-rate training and supportive culture will help our first intake of Craft apprentices to reach the top of their profession in the years to come, and I encourage creative young people with a desire to learn and work hard, to apply.”
Thomas Franks is accepting expressions of interest for the Craft programme on a rolling basis via their website.
