Apprentices join Chef Bryn Williams for Workshop

Compass Cymru apprentices joined Bryn Williams this week, to kick off their culinary apprenticeship with a workshop in the kitchens of the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. 

The group also teamed up with apprentices from training partner, Celtic Manor, with Compass Cymru Ambassador, Bryn, taking the participants through the importance of seasonality while preparing dishes including baked scallops, and marinated and grilled mackerel.

Compass Cymru MD, Jane Byrd, comments: “This first workshop in our new apprenticeship scheme is an exciting start for our team. We are proud to be working with our partners to deliver training, which will ensure the next generation of talent is nurtured and retained. The opportunities offered through our apprenticeship schemes will enable employees to change or enhance their careers, while supporting the future of our food, drink and hospitality industry in Wales.”

The Compass Cymru Apprenticeship Programme creates a career progression roadmap for an individual to work towards recognised qualifications. Compass Cymru is working closely with Welsh clients, local businesses, hospitality industry stakeholders, colleges, and universities; with expert input from Ambassador, Bryn Williams, as well as Compass Chefs.

Apprenticeships on offer include Culinary, Front of House, Facilities Management, Business Administration, Retail, Customer Service and Management.

Jonathan Foot, Head of Apprenticeships and Early Careers at Compass Group UK & Ireland, said: “Compass offers a variety of excellent learning and development opportunities, and we are excited to provide a programme that is specific to Wales for the first time. Our structured career pathways offer opportunities for all roles across all business sectors within Compass Cymru. For our culinary apprentices, hands-on training, like this workshop, is key and getting the chance to learn from a Chef like Bryn Williams is a tremendous opportunity.”

Speaking on his involvement, Chef Bryn Williams, said: “I’m passionate about developing the chefs of the future and I truly believe working alongside other people is really the best way to learn, so I am pleased to be running our first workshop and meeting the Compass Cymru apprentices. Seasonality is key to the sustainability of food, so it was great to be able to discuss how to maximise our fantastic Welsh larder during this session.”

Tracey Maxwell, General Manager, Principality Stadium Experience, said: "We're delighted to open up our kitchens to Compass Cymru in support of their culinary apprenticeship scheme. Wales has a reputation for its first-class produce; to have esteemed Welsh Chef Bryn Williams demonstrating wonderful dishes alongside our own Head Chef Ryan Jones, is a fantastic opportunity for our apprentices to learn from the very best."

Part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, the UK's largest food and support services firm, Compass Cymru launched in April 2021. The business is committed to supporting the Welsh hospitality industry, championing local suppliers, and fostering the next generation of talent, pledging to support at least 50 new apprenticeship opportunities in the first year.

Compass Group UK & Ireland recently announced its plans to achieve Climate Net Zero by 2030, in which seasonal and local produce play a key role.

For more information, please visit: www.compass-group.co.uk/compass-cymru