ROBINSONS & CHARNWOOD APPRENTICES DAZZLE AT 10 DOWNING STREET

Three apprentices from Charnwood and two from Robinsons made the journey to 10 Downing Street in support of National Apprenticeship Week (NAW).

The youngsters had the honour of catering and serving for a special reception at No.10 Downing Street, chosen to attend in recognition of their commitment to training, willingness to learn and progress in the hospitality industry.

Above: Apprentices outside no.10 (L-R: Lily Knox, Robinsons Visitor Centre, Fiona Drake, George & Dragon Holmes Chapel, Charlie Walters, Charnwood Academy, Conan Brooks, Launays Restaurant and Bar, Sarah Cantrell, Charnwood Academy)

120 guests attended the event and included learners and employers showcasing their talents to educational policy makers. The event featured an impressive showcase exhibition, produced to highlight the talents of young apprentices from across a number of high profile companies chosen from across UK industry.  Apprentices were also introduced to Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne and Minister for Skills and Enterprise Matthew Hancock.

This is the second year in a row that Charnwood Training Group has been invited to number 10 Downing Street, while it is a first for their respective employer; Robinsons Brewery – one of the UK’s largest independent family brewers and pub owners. With over 330 pubs, Robinsons has a vested interest in delivering distinctive training opportunities to young people wishing to work in the hospitality industry in the North West.

Charnwood is a national provider and delivers vocational training across the hospitality industry. They had been asked by the UK Government to participate at the event in recognition of the quality training they develop and deliver to industry businesses.

Aged between 17 and 35 years the apprentices had the opportunity to work alongside the government’s professional catering team to prepare a selection of delicate canapés showcasing the sophisticated skills they had learnt on their programmes including: smoked salmon mousse, crayfish tails tartlets, “bacon and egg” (quail egg with pancetta on Melba toast), beetroot and goats cheese mini cones and bocconcini encased in a tomato gel with black olive soil.

Commenting on the special afternoon, Jeremy Scorer, Managing Partner of Charnwood Training Group said:

“This event is a fantastic opportunity for our apprentices and Robinsons Brewery to be involved in. I hope the experience of working with professional staff in such a prestigious location encourages and inspires them to pursue a long-term career in the hospitality industry.

“It was an absolute pleasure to witness these apprentices demonstrate their new-found skills and meet the challenge of cooking for 120 guests in a busy kitchen. It is this kind of practical experience that is so valuable to the training we provide and I hope that all those involved have enjoyed their time at Downing Street and taken away some valuable techniques which they can apply to their apprenticeship scheme.”

David Bremner, Director of Marketing at Robinsons added:

“Too often hospitality is overlooked as an industry with progression possibilities. Those involved love what we do – running British pubs and bars – and we want to see the next generation viewing this as a career decision with clear development opportunities and not just a temporary position. These apprenticeship schemes will help young people learn skills and responsibilities that will facilitate their next step up the career ladder.”

If you have a member of staff of any age, working an average of 30 hours a week or more, who might be interested, please e-mail beverley.ashton@frederic-robinson.co.uk

Apprentice Testimonials:

Lily Knox, Robinsons Visitors Centre:

“It was a great day and a fantastic experience; I’m honoured to have been a part of it! Just started my apprenticeship and already reaping the rewards, can’t wait to see what’s next!”

Fiona Drake, George & Dragon, Holmes Chapel:

“To be given an experience like this was amazing! I enjoyed the day so much and I have taken away some good knowledge that I can use on my apprenticeship!”

For further information on Charnwood Training Group, please contact Henry Rubinstein at Custard Communications on henry@custardcommunications.com

For further information on Robinsons Brewery, please contact Daniella.Martin@frederic-robinson.co.uk or call 0161 480 6571