English Lakes Culinary Academy an annual, fully accredited apprenticeship programme for aspiring chefs.
Ioana Stiop with Dora Preece and Hannah Jones
Ethan Livesey and Doris Lam
Doris Lam
Leo Nkumalo and Shantel Adjei
The 2023 Culinary Academy Intake
The Culinary Academy
English Lakes are delighted to welcome both young school leavers and more mature students who are keen to train to become Chefs. Perhaps they already have a passion for the culinary arts or simply have an awakening interest in exploring the possibility of a career in this fast-paced, creative industry.
This is an opportunity to train whilst also being employed by English Lakes Hotels, Resorts & Venues. Successful applicants will work alongside our Head Chefs at one of our Lake District hotels or Lancashire hotel. This element of in situ training is an invaluable way of introducing the students to professional life in the kitchen of a 4* hotel. They will be part of a team delivering high end dishes in our restaurants and bars.
One day each week the students will attend a specific training session, whether that is a supplier visit, culinary demonstrations, skills day at college, or theory-based learning.
"This is a great opportunity for the next generation of chefs to expand their skills and make a start in the catering industry."
Inspiring Chefs to be the Best
The Culinary Academy students will be overseen by Daniel Winstanley, Group Executive Chef who also heads up the Academy. Daniel has many years’ experience of training chefs, having worked as a Lecturer in a local catering college, and becoming La Parade de Chefs Medal Winner in 2014 and awarded Grade 1 Outstanding from OFSTED. He has a passion for inspiring the next generation of Chefs to become the best in their field.
The Course
This is a fully accredited City and Guilds Level 2 Commis Chef award. The programme is perfectly suited to the aspiring chef. The curriculum is 80% on the job training in one of our kitchens, 20% ‘off the job’ training, this will include weekly college sessions led by Daniel.
What is a Commis Chef?
Commis chefs will work as part of a kitchen brigade to ensure the quality of the food items meets brand, organisational and legislative requirements, including completing food safety management documentation. They receive, check, and correctly store deliveries and check and report food items and stock levels. Commis chefs contribute to improving the culinary offer of their organisation.
Topics Covered on the Course
Kitchen operations - techniques, brand specifications, safe handling, procedures
Nutrition - key nutrient groups, adapting dishes, specific dietary religious and allergenic needs
Legal & Governance - legal requirements, health and safety, completion of legal documentation
People - communication, customer service, supporting team members
Business - vision, values, objectives and reputation, financial impact, sustainability
Commercial & Personal Development - identify personal goals, development opportunities, different learning styles
The Benefits that Students will Enjoy
There are many benefits of working for English Lakes. Apprentice chefs can expect to benefit from:
- Good rates of pay, starting salary 70% higher than national apprenticeship wage
- Increased salary to National Living wage upon completion of course
- Professional knife 10-piece knife set
- Culinary Academy notebook
- Full uniform, including Culinary Academy logo’d aprons
"Great fun and an unforgettable experience"
Career Progression
Once you have successfully completed your Level 2 Production Chef course there will be an opportunity to continue training with the Culinary Academy. The next step is City and Guilds Level 3 Chef de Partie.
You will continue to learn under the guidance of our English Lakes Head Chefs whilst also benefitting from day release classes where you will learn the theory and skills necessary to manage a specific section of the kitchen and create and prepare dishes for our 4* hotels, restaurants and bars.
English Lakes Hospitality Academy
Introduced in 2022, the English Lakes Hospitality Academy partnered with Kendal College to offer a fully accredited course leading to the Hospitality Team Member Level 2 qualification.
This programme provides trainees the knowledge & skills required to make the best start in a career within Hospitality, supported by English Lakes. It includes training in all aspects of hospitality, masterclasses from industry professionals, guest speakers and collaboration between other hotels.
The course content includes:
- Leadership Skills
- Customer Care
- Team building & building a team, collaborative working.
- A diverse tutor and mentor group of professionals,
providing talks, demonstrations and masterclasses.
- Reflective, personal goal setting, regular opportunities
to talk with tutor and mentors.
- COSHH, Current legislation around the use of chemicals
- Food safety in Catering Award Level 2
- Advice on career progression within the hospitality industry
All students have the benefit of Expectations, a great opportunity to understand the culture, history and opportunities at English Lakes Hotels. Other exciting opportunities being a masterclass in the art of Coffee and becoming a Barista, a 'Take Over' event at one of our hotels, and a visit to an international Food & Drink expo in London.
How to Apply
For more information on how to apply for the Culinary Academy or the Hospitality Academy, fill in the below form or contact group.chef@englishlakes.co.uk