Compass Group announces expansion of Junior Chef Academy

Compass Group UK & Ireland has begun the new academic year with the expansion of its Junior Chef Academy (JCA) programme. The extension of the programme is part of a wider plan to grow the initiative to reach over 1,500 students in the next 2-3 years.

This outreach follows previous success across areas including the Midlands, southern England and South Wales. The free culinary masterclasses are now being rolled out to some schools in areas such as London, the North and the East of England, having recently also launched in Scotland for the first time. 

Developed by the Compass Apprenticeships Team, the ten-week JCA programme is designed to inspire and teach the next generation of culinary talent. Led by Compass chefs as an after-school extra-curricular activity, the programme is designed for young people, helping them develop practical culinary skills while building confidence, creativity and teamwork.

Along with teaching cooking as an essential life skill; the JCA aims to encourage an interest in, and engagement with, food at an early age; and educate and encourage young people to consider careers in hospitality. The programme also promotes local sourcing, sustainability, nutrition, hygiene, and healthy eating practices.

To date, the programme has supported over 300 young people, providing hands on culinary training, mentoring and a structured pathway into further education and apprenticeships. 

As part of Compass’ wider partnership with Business in the Community (BITC), the two organisations are partnering to bring new JCA cohorts to the Hounslow area, at Reach Academy, Rivers Academy and Cranford Community College. BITC is a business-led network dedicated to promoting responsible business practices, corporate social responsibility, and sustainable economic growth.

Craig Harvey, Operations Manager, Junior Chef Academy at Compass Group UK & Ireland said: “The Junior Chef Academy not only builds confidence in the kitchen and develops valuable culinary skills but also inspires a genuine passion for cooking. It’s brilliant to see the young people engaged and enthused by their experience, and we hope this enthusiasm will encourage participants to pursue further education, apprenticeships and rewarding careers within the culinary sector. The JCA is already changing lives and opening doors, so we’re excited to see this progress even further as we roll out to new areas.”

Jonathan Foot, Director of Skills & Early Careers at Compass Group UK & Ireland: “Compass is committed to nurturing the next generation of talent, as well as supporting the development of our existing employees, through our extensive apprenticeship and career pathway programmes. Through our network of experienced and talented chefs, young people gain valuable insight, guidance and hands-on expertise at a crucial stage in their development. The positive feedback we receive from both students and parents really highlights the significant impact of the programme, so we’re thrilled that this expansion will allow us to reach even more young people.”

Oliver Brewer, Level 2 Commis Chef Apprentice and JCA 2024 participant said: “Taking part in the Junior Chef Academy changed my life. It’s thanks to the Academy that I’m in my current role, as I was offered the job through one of the Chefs that helped me during the programme. I also wouldn’t have found my love of cooking and a career as a chef if I hadn’t taken part.”

The JCA supports Compass Group UK & Ireland’s Our Social Promise, which has committed to give back to local communities and enhance opportunities for a million people by 2030. JCA forms part of its Classroom to Careers programme, designed to help young people develop the skills, confidence and opportunities they need to progress into sustainable and meaningful employment.

The initiative is sponsored by Brakes, Britain’s leading foodservice wholesaler. Brakes’ support ensures every participant receives chef jackets, equipment and ingredients at no cost, removing financial barriers for families.

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