Cameron House launches chef apprenticeship programme

Luxury resort Cameron House on Loch Lomond has launched a chef apprenticeship programme to offer young people hands-on work experience and hospitality qualification.

Aged between 18 and 24, the candidates will receive 18-months of paid training in food preparation, food service and health and safety across the resort’s Boat House, Café Spa and the Clubhouse.

These venues are open while the hotel at Cameron House remains closed following an extensive fire in the building in December 2017 that led to the death of two guests. The property is currently undergoing a multimillion-pound refurbishment and is due to reopen, along with the relaunched leisure centre, in late 2020.

Gemma Arnott head chef at the Clubhouse restaurant, will mentor the apprentices during their training. She said: “We’ll support young chefs throughout the duration of their apprenticeship, helping them build confidence and pushing them to achieve professional standards in the hospitality industry. We’re a close-knit team and our apprentice chefs will have real responsibilities from day one. I’d encourage anyone with a love of food to apply.”

Once they have completed the entry level programme, the young chefs will be able to apply for the advanced qualification that will teach them how to lead teams and develop recipes and menus for the resort’s restaurants.

Three staff selected for the programme include kitchen porter Adam Neill. He explained: “I’ve always wanted to become a chef and when I saw this programme advertised internally, I just knew I needed to apply. To learn the basics from renowned chefs at one of Scotland’s top culinary destinations is a privilege and I can’t wait to get started.”

The hotel is looking for a further six recruits and is urging any young locals with an interest in becoming a chef to submit their applications. The closing date for applications is 31 January 2020 with training due to begin in March 2020.

Situated on the banks of Loch Lomond, the resort boasts a spa with a rooftop infinity pool, an 18-hole championship golf course, self-catering lodge and a lake-side marina.