Chefs from the Munster region gathered for a special mentoring workshop at the Institute of Technology, Tralee, last week to support the new Chef De Partie Apprenticeship Programme workshop, supported by Fáilte Ireland and other tourism industry bodies. The workshop was held by Fáilte Ireland to assist existing industry mentors who have apprentice Chef De Parties’ in training to employ the necessary practical coaching and mentoring skills, and as part of Fáilte Ireland’s response to address the skills shortage that currently exist within the culinary industry.
The Consortium Steering Group for Chef De Partie was established in 2015. Its membership consists of representatives from the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF), the Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI), the Irish Hospitality Institute (IHI), Euro-toques Ireland, the Catering Management Association of Ireland (CMAI), Institutes of Technology (IOTs), the Panel of Chefs and representatives from Fáilte Ireland and SOLAS.
Reviewing Market Conditions
Members engaged in a review of both national/local labour market conditions and skills shortages. The group agreed that what was required was an education and training programme that provided progression pathways from level 6 - 9 while still working in industry-gaining valuable experiences as well as the academic qualification. The lead industry partner for the level 7 Chef De Partie Culinary Arts apprenticeship are the RAI and IHF.
Determined To Ensure Success
Head of Tourism Careers at Fáilte Ireland Paul Hayden asserted, "A very significant part of the new Chef De Partie Apprenticeship Programme is that the apprentice will experience alternating phases of on and off the job training, so it is crucial that the training and support available within the workplace is of a high standard. Fáilte Ireland is determined to ensure the success of this new apprenticeship scheme to create the best educational environment for apprentices through the hosting of mentoring workshops."
A Step Towards Solving The Skills Shortage
Meanwhile, RAI CEO Adrian Cummins commented, "The Chef De Partie Programme is another step on the road to solving the skills shortage in our sector. We are delighted that Fáilte Ireland in association with the Restaurants Association of Ireland have delivered on our commitment to establish a Chef De Partie Programme for the sector with the support of Solas and Institutes of Technology across Ireland. It’s vital that restaurants and hospitality businesses feed into the apprenticeship scheme locally and utilise the opportunity to upskill existing staff who want to pursue a career as a chef or take on an apprentice chef in their establishment."
© 2018 Hospitality Ireland – your source for the latest industry news. Article by Dave Simpson. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.
