Chef training school plans in Brighton (From The Argus)

Chef training school plans in Brighton

5:10pm Tuesday 3rd January 2012 in Business News By Tim Ridgway

Dozens of youngsters will get the chance to become chefs if plans for a training school are approved.

An application has been made to establish a De Vere Academy of Hospitality in a vacant storage area at New England House in New England Street, Brighton.

The hotel group has launched 11 academies since January 2010 which are aimed at increasing opportunities for those not in employment, education or training (Neets).

It comes after a report by the Work Foundation showed about one in five 16 to 24-year-olds in the city fell into that category.

The application submitted to Brighton and Hove City Council said: “The academy will train young apprentices as chefs and customer service professionals.

“New England House will be a classroom facility teaching customer service skills, literacy, numeracy and IT skills.

“The academy has the potential to have a sustainable impact on creating employment for young people.”

The De Vere Academy of Hospitality is a joint venture between the hotel group and the National Apprenticeship Service, the public body responsible for promoting and increasing apprenticeships across England.

Academy officials said that every apprentice has gone to further education or training or to work for De Vere or one of its partners, such as Jamie Oliver restaurants, Hilton hotels and John Lewis.

Those signing up for the academy get uniforms and lunches while studying for a qualification, being paid and getting work experience.

Planning permission is sought to convert the south part of level eight in the office block which has been derelict for seven years.

Papers said it will create five full-time jobs and would be open from 8am to 5pm.

Comments are currently being accepted and a decision is expected by February 17.

What do you think? Write to the letters editor or email letters@theargus.co.uk.

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