The Worshipful Company of Cooks is repeating their exciting Level 4 Chef Management Development Programme, for chefs who want to enhance their culinary careers by developing confident management and leadership skills. Applications are now open for Cohort 3, who will start in April 2024.
Applications close on Thursday 29 February 2024. Over a duration of 18 months, participants will receive first class tuition and experience in a wide variety of topics including finance, marketing, business management and leadership, as well as networking opportunities and significant peer and social learning experiences. They will be required to complete a work-based business improvement project and keep a portfolio of evidence of their development and progress.
Level 4 Qualification. On completion, participants will receive a certificate of achievement from the Worshipful Company of Cooks of London, as well as the internationally and industry recognised – Level 4 Hospitality Manager Apprenticeship, with Kitchen Management specialism.
Sponsored and endorsed by the Worshipful Company of Cooks of London, the Chef Management Development Programme is delivered through a unique partnership between Westminster Kingsway College (part of Capital City College Training) and the Merlin Consultancy.
Your Investment. If your organisation is currently a levy payer then the cost of the programme, £6,000, will be drawn from your existing levy account. If you are not a levy payer, then Westminster Kingsway College will contact you to organise payment of a 5% contribution and the rest will be covered by the levy. In this case the cost to you will be £300. In addition, you will be asked to support your apprentice with costs of travel to the wide variety of workshop venues across the UK and any necessary accommodation costs. They will need to be released for all programme dates; attendance at all the workshops is mandatory. You will also need to support their development and enable time for meetings with their coach, and allow for the completion of 6 hours a week of ‘off-job’ learning.
Benefits for Employers. The research is clear that development is a major factor in retention of talent in all industries, and an 18-month programme is a good incentive to stay and grow in the current role. In return for your investment and support, you will notice a profound difference in the way that your employee thinks and acts as they progress. They will be able to take on more tasks, complete on business improvements, and be more purposeful about how they motivate and develop others in the team.
Entry Criteria. Because it is an apprenticeship programme, there are a few criteria for entry. Applicants must be:
- Over 18
- Have the right to reside and been resident in the UK for the last 3 years
- Be in full time employment
- Working in a kitchen, typically at experienced chef de partie, junior or senior sous-chef level
- Be managing a team with at least 2 direct reports
- Either have achieved, or be able to achieve, Maths and English at level 2 (tuition and support can be provided)
How to Apply. The documents you need are available here (click the text links to download): the Programme Brochure, the Application Form, the CCCT Apprenticeship Enrolment Form, and the Evidence of Residency details. (Please note: The Capital City College Training (CCCT) Apprenticeship Enrolment form is correct, as Westminster Kingsway College is part of CCCT.)
Application Process & Timeline.
- All applications must be returned by Thursday 29 February 2024 – to include both application forms and a current CV. Written confirmation of safe receipt will be sent immediately.
- A panel of 4 will review all applications on Monday 11 March and notify those successful for interviews on the same day.
- Interviews will be held at Innholders Hall in the City of London on the morning of Wednesday 10 April
- Confirmation of interview results and offer of places will be issued by Friday 12 April
- Westminster Kingsway College pre-enrolment will start Wednesday 24 April
- Programme will commence with 1st workshop on Wednesday 1 May
- For all other programme dates, please see the Programme Brochure.
Please do share this new training venture with your colleagues in the industry who may have chefs who would benefit from this initiative. If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to contact hilary@merlin-consultancy.com
20 November 2023.
