Public sector employers urged to support new catering training programme
‘Forward-thinking’ public sector catering employers are being encouraged to support a short, entry-level, Level 2 skills programme for adults, that has been designed specifically for public sector and corporate catering environments. The scheme is initially targeting NHS sites in London.
Culinary Medicine UK, the Craft Guild of Chefs, and CCC (Capital City College) Westminster are jointly developing a ‘skills bootcamp’ programme that starts in September.
And Vince Kelly, the Mayor Academy Hub Manager ‑ Hospitality, at CCC Westminster is keen to engage public sector employers, initially within the NHS.
He said: “We’re inviting employers to act as recruitment partners, connecting job-ready, health- and sustainability-aware candidates into entry-level hospitality positions within NHS sites across London.”
There is no cost associated with the programme but it needs employers to provide one week’s work experience and an interview opportunity to apply for an open position, within a six-month period.
He added: “We will match suitable candidates of standard to these positions, and we will fully support them through recruitment, however there is no pressure to employ unsuitable candidates.”
Interested employers are asked to confirm their interest in joining as a recruitment and development partner by filling an employer support letter. They will then be invited to join a Teams call on Friday, August 22nd at 10 am to learn more.
Kelly said the bootcamp was the first phase in a longer-term strategy.
“In 2025-2026 we will convene a roundtable with key employers, NHS leaders, school food organisations, awarding bodies, and education providers to examine the policy drivers and needs for further catering and hospitality workforce skills.
“It will also discuss how to embed progressive, health- and sustainability-led modules into the mainstream national curriculum and professional qualifications.
“Most of the UK’s current hospitality training still follows a classical meat heavy curriculum model, focused on high-fat, salt, and sugar cooking.
“This simply isn’t suitable for the hospitals, schools, care homes, and corporate catering facilities serving millions of people every day.”
If the pilot programme at Westminster is successful he plans to take the idea out to other parts of the country.
CCC Westminster already operates skills bootcamps as part of a £21.6m investment programme supported by the Mayor of London, aimed at helping Londoners build their essential skills to get ahead in our economy and access good work.
They are an important part of the Mayor of London’s commitment to supporting Londoners to progress into good quality jobs paying at least the London Living Wage.
Anyone interested in signing the Skills Bootcamp Employer Support Statement can contact the college directly for a copy of the form. Email: vera.torbarska@capitalccg.ac.uk
