Raymond Blanc and Boris Johnson press for more hospitality apprentices

Raymond Blanc and London Mayor Boris Johnson have called on the capital's food and hospitality sectors to take on more apprentices.

The news came as Brasserie Blanc announced that it was taking on 21 new apprentices across the UK, including trainee chefs and front-of-house staff.

Aged between 16 and 19, the apprentices will be assigned a mentor within the business and will also be assessed and supported by the De Vere Training Academy, representatives from which will meet with them on a monthly basis

The programme will be split into modules, some of which are based around NVQs. Each apprentice will receive a final certificate on completion.

Blanc said: "As an employer I want to provide a nurturing, caring environment to give young people the very best chance to succeed. I know that many of my colleagues also believe that it is vital that the restaurant and hospitality sector has home-grown talent to develop the necessary skills for the future; long term our businesses will gain from it.

Johnson added: "It is absolutely fantastic to have someone of Raymond's calibre spearheading our drive to help the food industry wake up to the power of apprenticeships."