Training programme
Many of our apprentices have not had the best start in life. They may have come from difficult homes, had drug or alcohol problems or a running with the law, but the one thing that unites them all is their desire to change their lives around and be the best that they can be. Fifteen Cornwall gives them that chance.
To get onto our training programme is a challenging process, so just getting chosen is an achievement in itself, and once here we ask a lot of them. But, we are there to support and guide them every step of the way by looking after their training and welfare needs.
Our training programme is no easy ride; the new apprentices have to prove themselves time and again. They face a steep learning curve with new challenges to overcome every day – but when they graduate after sixteen tough months with us, they will have become outstanding chefs and confident individuals with exceptional careers ahead of them.
The Fifteen training programme combines time spent at catering college, work placements at other great restaurants, fantastic produce sourcing trips and, of course, cooking at Fifteen Cornwall under the guidance of a team of talented chefs.
The Application Process
Getting through the Fifteen Cornwall selection process is not easy. Each year we can receive anything up to 200 applicants applying for just 20 places. To find out more about the actual process, click here.
What does the Fifteen Cornwall training course involve?
The training begins by studying for an NVQ1 in Catering Studies at Cornwall College. While at college the apprentices also qualify for their Health and Safety and Food Hygiene certificates. This gives them a solid basis of both academic and practical achievement.The college staff give the students valuable support and encouragement during this time, building their confidence and driving them to reach their potential.
Following completion of the NVQ1, the apprentices will then start work at Fifteen Cornwall for 12 months (including one month’s work experience at a great restaurant).Time here includes working and learning their way around the Fifteen Cornwall kitchen, with one day a week set aside to study for the NVQ 2 certificate. The apprentices spend time at every station in the kitchen, learning pasta making, pastry skills, bakery, desserts and so on until they have mastered every aspect of the Fifteen Cornwall menu. This will give them everything they need to develop fantastic careers in the hospitality industry.
And then what?
The Cornwall Foundation of Promise has a long term commitment to the Fifteen Cornwall apprentices. Once they’ve graduated, the students can always rely on the Foundation for support and help in taking their careers further, no matter how long has elapsed since their graduation.
We have no doubt that in the future we’ll be seeing Fifteen Cornwall students becoming head chefs at some of the world’s most prestigious restaurants, achieving Michelin stars and opening their own restaurants…and we can’t wait.
