Hilton to roll out chef apprenticeships in region

Hilton Worldwide announced the launch of a chef apprenticeship programme which it will shortly roll out across the MEA region.

The three-year programme, which simultaneously combines theory with the reality of working in a hotel environment is based on the European apprenticeship models – with a focus on cooking skills, Knudd Bundgaard, director of culinary Hilton Worldwide MEA told Caterer Middle East.

The programme comprises 12 theory/practical modules per year with examinations in the hotel.

“Qualified chefs are needed around the world, not just in MEA. This programme combines the best of theory with practical lessons and one great advantage is that students can earn while studying,” said Bundgaard.

Hilton Worldwide invests heavily in its F&B offering and with over 300 F&B outlets and employment of 6000 F&B staff, Bundgaard said the contribution from F&B to the overall property and company could “not be overestimated.”

One of the reasons the City & Guilds accredited apprenticeship programme has been rolled out is to attract custom from the local population as well as hotel guests.

Teaming up with City and Guilds, an interntationally recognised qualification would give the qualification more weight and meaning, Bundgaard said: “This is of the most professionally established accreditors in the world. This qualification allows individual freedom to transfer skills easily from country to country - simply because of the familiarity and recgnition that City & Guilds brings,” said Bundgaard.