Apprenticeship programme celebrates culinary excellence
Leading figures from hospitality and tourism recently attended a celebration at James Street South in Belfast as participants in the restaurant’s apprenticeship programme graduated.
Six of the trainees have now secured jobs with the restaurant group.
This was the third of the James Street South Apprentice Programmes. Created by chef and restaurant owner, Niall McKenna, it gave 12 students the opportunity to learn first-hand the skills required to work in the industry while simulataneously undertaking classes at Belfast Metropolitan College.
“Our Apprentice Programme has proven crucial to the development of the next generation of hospitality professionals,” said Niall recently. “We provide real-time and real life experiences to allow a truly immersive training beyond the theory of the classroom.”
“This is a well-deserved celebration of the skills and talents secured by our Apprentices over the past year, and underlines the commitment and dedication they’ve shown over the past nine months in learning about the importance of local produce, from our dedicated team of chefs across James Street South, Bar & Grill, Hadskis, Cast & Crew and the Cookery School”
Aidan Sloane, head of skills and apprenticeships at Belfast Met, which partners with James St South in the unique programme says that the programme at James Street South is getting stronger:
“The work-based experiences our apprentices gain with Niall and the team is invaluable,” he added. “This programme is a prime example of the college and employers successfully working collaboratively to prioritise key skills areas for the city, providing young people with the necessary skills to succeed, while driving employer engagement and workforce development solutions.”
In addition to the Chef Apprentice Programme, James Street South recently launched the inaugural Front of House Apprentice Programme, also in collaboration with Belfast Met’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. This new course will provide invaluable experience for those seeking a career in this field.
The James Street South Apprenticeship Scheme is funded by the Department for Economy ApprenticeshipsNI Programme. Anyone interested in the Apprentice Scheme should submit applications now. For more information, visit www.jamesstreetsouth.co.uk/about/apprenticeships.
Our picture shows (left to right), Conor Shields, James Street South apprentice; Dr Andrea Cooper, Belfast Met; John McGrillen, chief executive, TourismNI; Niall McKenna; Jim Wilkinson, Department for Economy and William Maxwell, James Street Sotuh apprentice.
