Valor Hospitality, the international hotel management company that runs Crowne Plaza Harrogate, has launched a new Chef Development Academy to encourage people from the area
to embark on a culinary career following a national skills shortage in the sector.
Launching in August, Crowne Plaza Harrogate will be one of twelve carefully selected hotels to take part in the pilot scheme. While undergoing their training, trainees will
be paid an annual salary of £20,000p.a. and receive a full starter kit, including chef whites, shoes and their own knife set.
Ranked in the top six ‘Best Places to Work in Hospitality 2022’ by The Catey Awards – the Oscars of the hospitality sector – for the third time, Valor will work in partnership
with expert hospitality apprenticeship and training provider, Umbrella Training to deliver the programme. With a mix of 1-1 tutoring and on-the-job training starting at apprentice Level 2, the scheme provides candidates with the opportunity to reach head chef
level within five years.
Valor will also enable its Academy group at Crowne Plaza Harrogate to compete for quarterly bonuses for those who have demonstrated the greatest development in skills and expertise.
Recognising the importance of long-term retention of their trainees, Valor is also offering a guaranteed pay increase to a minimum of £22,500 upon completion of the initial 12-month Academy.
Valor’s apprentice team will also undertake a number of unique, off-site, immersive experiences at locations such as Billingsgate Market and Taste of London, as part of their
newly designed Culinary Club.
James Tomlinson, general manager at Crowne Plaza Harrogate said:
Valor is looking to develop the next generation of culinary superstars across the country, and we’re excited to be one of the hotels involved in the apprentice scheme. The Chef Academy provides a brilliant opportunity for local people to get in the hospitality industry, all the while providing them with the training to have a thoroughly progressive career.
As the hospitality industry deals with a chef shortage, there has never been a better time to seriously consider a career as a chef. The scheme will provide people with all the necessities to thrive in a culinary career. It’s such an interesting sector to be in and the opportunities for growth and career development are endless. Couple that with the growth that Valor is also experiencing, starting a career with us should be an exciting proposition whether you’re looking for a career change or just starting out.
Valor will begin the recruitment process mid-May with the aim of launching the academy in August.
Valor manages 85 hotels across the global, with its UK portfolio more than doubling in the past 12 months, taking it to 37 properties.
For more information on Valor Hospitality Partners and its global properties, visit: www.valorhospitality.com
