Bentley Cookery School off to a sizzling start as they head into their third year

The Bentley Group in Derry opened up their cookery school, in partnership with People 1st, in the summer of 2021 with the hopes to train those looking to break into the hospitality field. 

The Bentley Group trains people aged 16-25 - who learn whilst they earn- with a guaranteed job in The Bentley Group after they complete their course.

People 1st- a local training organisation who offer a range of courses across a range of levels- work alongside The Bentley Cookery School to provide training and courses for all roles across hospitality such as waitressing, management and chefs- to-be.

Declan Burke, Executive Chef at The Bentley Cookery School, said it is a fantastic opportunity for those looking to break into the industry, "There were no young people coming towards us at all, there was great pressure in the industry post-lockdown.

"There are more people coming back to the industry which is great to see after a tough couple of years. The owners were very passionate that they wanted to get young people in the door, train them up, and allow them to earn while they learn. 

"It is working very well at the moment with many real success stories. We had many people take our course and now they work within the Group too.

"We have people from every walk of life and it is great to watch them all improve their skills and come on leaps and bounds in such a short space of time" 

Declan said there are no big pressures and they work around their students, "We hope to keep growing and keep seeing as many young people succeed as possible," he continued.

"The most important thing is that we are getting young people- who probably would never have given the industry a second thought- through the door, in employment and gaining new skills every week.

"They are part of a team and it's amazing watching them come from day dot to where they are now.

"The cookery school is a learning experience for everyone; it can only get better. No matter if we drop down to two students, we will still run. It's all about consistency, we will always stick at it, we're always here for people.

"We can assess everyone on site and we can work around them if they have other jobs too. There are seven restaurants in the Bentley Group so there are so many options for people whilst they are training- meeting new teams and working in new environments- and then go on to work in if they would like. No one has to be stuck in the one spot.

"It has been really good, we are so passionate about it, we take in everyone with open arms. 

"Our cookery school is citywide; it is for the city. We are here if anyone from other restaurants wants to train or if people who train with us want to move onto other restaurants. It is not just to benefit the Bentley Group, it is to benefit the city."

Dominic Kaniuga, trainee chef with The Bentley Group, said it has been an absolutely brilliant experience, "Working alongside chefs in the industry at Link 47, and other restaurants in The Bentley group, has been a great experience; it is a brilliant place to work and a brilliant place to learn. 

"I've learnt so much and picked up so many skills that have helped me through my courses. I have made so many friends too.

"I couldn't find anything that suited me and then I decide to take on this course. I have gained life skills that will give me a boost to the start of my career. It is a win win situation that I would recommend to all young people looking to do the same."

This year's enrolment for the Bentley Cookery School is now open and will start on November 28. To apply or for more information, email: p.long@people-1st.co.uk