13.09.2024

Pioneering talent programme to engage the next generation of chefs launches

Vacherin has joined forces with Westminster Kingsway College and Chef Sabrina Gidda to launch PLATE, a next generation chef talent programme specifically designed to develop, support and inspire students throughout their learning and into successful chef careers that allow their skill set, individuality and ambition to flourish.

PLATE, which stands for Performance, Learning And Technical Excellence, launched this week at a special event at Westminster Kingsway College, with students invited to apply to be part of the first cohort that starts in October.

Designed collaboratively to unlock talent and ambition and support the transition from education into industry, PLATE enhances the student experience with broader skills training and exposure to the wide range of exciting opportunities hospitality, and particularly contract catering, has to offer.

The pioneering two-year programme represents a new direction for business/college partnerships. It elevates the traditional work placement concept with a more inclusive and nurturing approach that shows the length and breadth of possibility within the industry and its value, as well as recognising the individual and addressing the barriers to course completion and career progression that can be experienced.

Six culinary students per PLATE cohort will be supported Vacherin, London’s specialist caterer, throughout years two and three at Westminster Kingsway College, extending into their career pathways, as follows:

Financial support to cover the cost of learning (from uniforms to equipment)
Skills training, learning and development opportunities, as well as pastoral care
Mentoring from Vacherin’s experienced chefs
External stages that showcase the hospitality industry
Supplier visits and industry events that provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of the industry
Additional paid work placement opportunities (outside of the mandated college work placement requirements)
Guaranteed role within Vacherin on completion, with access to the many benefits and learning and development opportunities this includes.

Alex Rowe, Head of Food at Vacherin, said: “We’re incredibly excited to have launched PLATE to students at Westminster Kingsway College and to see our vision to inspire future generations of chefs come to life. We’re proud to lead the way in revolutionising industry/college relationships and taking the traditional concept of the work placement to the next level, with a programme that supports and empowers students throughout their learning and beyond. Our chefs can’t wait to support the first cohort and give them enrichment experiences that will unlock their talent and passion for hospitality, build their confidence and help launch their careers. Our ambition is to grow the programme with larger cohorts year on year, and to roll it out further across our sister brands within the CH&CO family.”

Sabrina Gidda, Vacherin’s Consultant Chef who has been instrumental in the development of PLATE, adds: “As an industry, we know that conventional culinary learning and career pathways are not right for everyone and can result in great talent being lost. Our programme aims to support the next generation of hospitality talent as they navigate a difficult landscape, making it as easy as possible to experience as much of the industry as possible, to find what excites them about their career and finish with a clear route to a paid job. More than ever, we must be ensuring succession planning across the industry and this starts at college. This project is full of possibility and opportunity, and we can’t wait to see it evolve.”

Miranda Quantrill, Curriculum Manager – Hospitality and Culinary Arts, Westminster Kingsway College, concludes: “PLATE is an extremely exciting opportunity for our young chefs. Having clear pathways from education to industry is crucial in helping students reach their full potential within the hospitality sector. The passion of Sabrina and the Vacherin team to focus on wider skills training and mentorship will no doubt encourage others to follow suit, and I look forward to seeing how our partnership can help develop and inspire within the education sector.”

Vacherin’s support of Westminster Kingsway College students doesn’t stop with the PLATE cohort, the business has also committed to giving back to the college with masterclasses and skills training for all culinary students, and to working with specialist industry partners to enhance student experiences.

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