Inn Collection Group launches chef academy

The pubs with rooms company Inn Collection Group has announced the launch of a new chef academy.

There are 10 places available at the academy as students will work alongside Michelin-trained chef Matthew Benson-Smith and his Benson-Smith Training Academy.

No prior chef experience is required by applicants, with the successful candidates being drawn from those that display the raw ingredients of “enthusiasm, passion and creativity and a willingness to learn”.

The fully-funded opportunities will be hosted at six of The Inn Collection Group’s properties in the north east and north west.

Sites in Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, North Yorkshire, Cumbria and Lancashire are currently earmarked to provide the kitchens that the academy members will complete a Level 2 Commis chef apprenticeship.

Ashleigh Fenwick, learning and development manager, said: “The Inn Collection Group’s Chef Academy will be market-leading in its approach to training and developing the next generation of chefs. An apprenticeship is a fantastic way to learn skills while you earn and while you are in the workplace and to gain industry experience.

“We’re looking for really passionate people who have the desire to learn new skills and come and work for an exciting growing business. We are incredibly proud to be partnering with chef Benson-Smith Academy and can’t wait to meet our first cohort of budding chefs!”

Tom Adlam, head of food at The Inn Collection Group added: “What we are really keen to do is to bring that next wave of people into our business and inspire them within the business and the industry.

“It is well documented that hospitality is having a difficult moment in its history in attracting people to the industry and our Chef Academy will help us to attract brand new talent to our company.”