Compass Group UK & Ireland has developed the Compass Junior Chefs’ Academy (JCA) as a unique training programme to attract and develop young talent into the sector. JCA aims to bridge the gap between school children, further education and industry. The 15-week course takes place at Further Education (FE) colleges around the country and provides students, aged 12-16 years, with a basic grounding in food preparation and cooking.

Members of the award winning Compass international culinary team attend to coach the students alongside college staff with Craft Guild of Chefs members, and sometimes celebrity chefs such as Brian Turner, Jean Christophe-Novelli, Cyrus Todiwala and Ainsley Harriet, attending graduations.

The programme has attracted support and recognition from colleges, City and Guilds, HCIMA, the Craft Guild of Chefs and industry as well as receiving a raft of awards including two industry accolades at the Springboard Awards for Excellence, the Young People’s Award and the Charities Aid Foundation prestigious ‘Innovation’ award.

The JCA model, complete with its own brand standards, is available for use by colleges and organisations around the country.

For more information on JCA programme please contact
jca@compass-group.co.uk