Vacherin partners with Westminster Kingsway College to launch chef training scheme

Vacherin has partnered with Westminster Kingsway College and chef Sabrina Gidda to launch PLATE, a programme designed to cultivate the next generation of chefs.  

PLATE, which stands for Performance, Learning And Technical Excellence, will be overseeing its first cohort of Westminster Kingsway students from next month.

The two-year course has been designed to broaden what is traditionally on offer during work placements, with a particular emphasis on job opportunities within contract catering.

Six culinary students per PLATE cohort will receive support from London-based specialist caterer Vacherin during years two and three at Westminster Kingsway College.

This will include financial support to cover the cost of learning, mentoring from Vacherin’s chefs, a chance to go on external stages and supplier visits, as well as a guaranteed role within Vacherin on completion.

Alex Rowe, head of food at Vacherin, said: “We’re incredibly excited to have launched PLATE to students at Westminster Kingsway College and to see our vision to inspire future generations of chefs come to life.

“Our chefs can’t wait to support the first cohort and give them enrichment experiences that will unlock their talent and passion for hospitality, build their confidence and help launch their careers. Our ambition is to grow the programme with larger cohorts year on year, and to roll it out further across our sister brands within the CH&Co family.”

Gidda, who has been consultant chef at Vacherin since January this year, added: “As an industry, we know that conventional culinary learning and career pathways are not right for everyone and can result in great talent being lost. Our programme aims to support the next generation of hospitality talent as they navigate a difficult landscape, making it as easy as possible to experience as much of the industry as possible, to find what excites them about their career and finish with a clear route to a paid job.”

Miranda Quantrill, curriculum manager – hospitality and culinary arts, Westminster Kingsway College, commented: “The passion of Sabrina and the Vacherin team to focus on wider skills training and mentorship will no doubt encourage others to follow suit, and I look forward to seeing how our partnership can help develop and inspire within the education sector.”

Vacherin was founded in 2002 and has since grown its portfolio to over 80 clients in more than 100 locations.