Derry trainee chefs sought for fast track cooking academy

PICTURED ABOVE: Deputy Mayor of Derry City and Strabane Council, Councillor Jason Barr, pictured with Gillian Kearney, People 1st, Recruitment Officer, Trevor Bruce, Professional Cookery Tutor and Eamonn Moore, Contract Manager and Emma Quinn from Council’s Labour Market Partnership Team at the launch of the Cookery Academy which took place in The Bentley Bar and Grill. (Photo: Martin McKeown).

Derry City and Strabane District Council are seeking candidates for an exciting fast track cooking course that will prepare trainee chefs to successfully apply for jobs in hospitality after just four weeks.

The Cookery Academy starts on Monday 26th February and is being delivered by the Derry and Strabane Labour Market Partnership and People 1st.

Funded by the Department for Communities (DfC), the Derry and Strabane Labour Market Partnership offers training programmes to prepare people to gain employment, pursue further training courses or access full-time education.

Labour Market Partnerships create targeted employment action plans for council areas and allow for collaboration at local and regional level to support people towards and into work.

The Academy is split into two weeks of theory and two weeks of practical through a placement with a local hospitality business.

Individuals will receive an industry recognised certification in Food Safety, Health and Safety and Allergen Awareness and a guaranteed job interview at the end.

Nicky Gilleece, Derry and Strabane Labour Market Partnership Manager, said the course has a proven record of setting candidates on the path to full time employment. 

“The Cookery Academy is for everyone whether you have just left school, are looking to gain employment, or are thinking of a career change,” she said.

“It has enhanced and changed the lives of many individuals of all ages, as they have gained employment and life skills as well as recognised qualifications. 

“Of the 60 people who have been recruited to the nine cookery schools completed to date, 90% of the individuals have gained full time employment from the academy and over 75% have went onto progress to the Apprenticeship NI programme and are still currently employed.

“They have gained confidence and the opportunity to experience the hospitality industry.”

People 1st have numerous local businesses on board to offer placements including The Bentley Group, Browns in Town, Browns Bonds Hill, The Everglades Hotel and Da Vincis Hotel.

The course is delivered in the Bentley Bar and Restaurant in Linen Hall Street from 10am to 3pm each day for four weeks.

To register your interest e mail T.Bruce@People-1st.co.uk or call 07519051549.