A luxury hotel in the heart of Chester is celebrating the next generation of hospitality talent to mark National Apprenticeship Week — highlighting the need to encourage early careers in the sector with the support of educational frameworks.
The Chester Grosvenor, situated on the iconic cobbled streets of Chester, is a huge advocate for the apprenticeship process, with an array of young professionals currently in its ranks learning the hospitality ropes through hands-on, real world experience.
From rising culinary stars to future front of house experts, the hotel is offering these young professionals a structured and progressive start to a career through a combination of practical and theoretical learning.
The hotel currently has two culinary apprentices working across its restaurants and has recently passed another three through the course — each under the guidance and supervision of experienced Executive Chef, Elliot Hill, who is a stalwart supporter of the process.
Commenting on the importance of apprenticeships, Elliot said: “I have witnessed first-hand how the unique combination of hands-on training and classroom instruction has produced many talented young chefs across the country. As an industry, we must direct our focus towards attracting young professionals, as ultimately, they are the future. In the culinary world, practice and observation is everything and having the opportunity to do this at such an early stage, surrounded by experienced chefs, is so valuable.”
The Chester Grosvenor also has two food and beverage apprentices working within Arkle, the hotel’s refined dining option, who are currently developing their front of house skills through working alongside the restaurant’s highly skilled team. The hotel is continually looking to recruit more apprentices, with an array of great opportunities available to prospective young talent.
Chloe Collins, a current culinary apprentice at The Chester Grosvenor, added: “I have been an apprentice at The Chester Grosvenor for four months now and I can honestly say it’s been such a great experience. Learning on the job is so valuable, especially when you’re surrounded by so many experienced chefs who can teach you the most efficient way to navigate a professional kitchen. I applied for the role as I have always wanted to be a chef. Since starting, I have worked on afternoon tea and am now learning the role of pastry chef. Kitchens are typically a male dominated environment, but as a young female chef, I have been welcomed with open arms and my dream of owning my own restaurant in the future seems much more achievable.”
With the existing building dating back to 1865, The Chester Grosvenor is a luxury hotel home to two highly reputable restaurants — the relaxed two AA Rosette La Brasserie, which offers all-day casual dining, and its refined dining restaurant, Arkle. For those guests seeking a slightly more indulgent experience, The Spa at The Chester Grosvenor also offers a range of traditional, contemporary and holistic therapies.
For more information on The Chester Grosvenor, please visit: https://www.chestergrosvenor.com/ or to explore its current apprenticeship vacancies, please visit: https://www.chestergrosvenor.com/careers/current-vacancies
