Little Wing Pizzeria has launched a recruitment campaign to appoint 10 apprentice chefs.
The restaurant chain, part of the Beannchor Group, has partnered with Springvale Employment and Learning to recruit the apprentice pizza chefs.
Attending the launch the Minister for Employment and Learning Stephen Farry said: “Through the apprenticeship programme, my department will support this initiative by funding the off-the-job training aspect of the apprenticeship and this training will be delivered by Springvale Learning. My hope is that the training will be a catalyst to enable individuals to progress into higher level professional or technical training.
“Apprenticeships provide an excellent means by which employers can obtain the technical and employability skills they require, as well as ensuring that there is a strong skills base across the economy. For individuals, apprenticeships provide them with the skills that are wanted by employers and provide them with enhanced prospects of sustained employment and increased earnings potential.
“I am pleased that Little Wing Pizzeria, supported by Springvale Learning, is providing this opportunity for ten young people to earn as they learn by undertaking an apprenticeship within the Hotel and Catering Sector.”
Gerry McMahon, chairman of Springvale Employment and Learning Solutions, said: “We have been working in partnership with the Beannchor Group for a number of years now.
“When our Employer Services Team approached the Group about a joint apprenticeship academy, we were delighted at their positive response and commitment to this innovative approach.”
The new apprentices will follow qualifications outlined in the Level 2 Catering and Professional Chefs Framework.
Brett Weeden, the Beanchorr Group’s HR and training manager, said: “Beannchor is proud to be able to offer these people real employment, affording them the opportunity to build and develop a career with us.
“As a group we are committed to investing in the training and development of all our staff.”