Industry veterans launch free hospitality training scholarship

A group of hospitality industry veterans have launched a charitable training scheme aimed at tackling staff shortages in the sector.

The Jupiter Restaurant Scholarship is designed to develop the next generation of industry managers and leaders through a fast-track, bespoke programme.

It has been launched by Neville Abraham, the founder of the Groupe Chez Gerard restaurant group, alongside Michael Gottlieb (My Kinda Town, Smollensky's), Deborah Jelffs (MW Eat, Groupe Chez Gerard), John Lederer (City Centre, Brasserie Blanc) and David Gleave (Liberty Wines).

The scholarship is designed as an alternative to paid further education and all training costs are completely free.

Successful applicants will enter a practical paid apprenticeship-style scheme that will last up to 12 months that will see them paired with a mentor and given access to extra training modules from Liberty Wines and London Cocktail Club.

The aim is for scholars to reach the level of restaurant supervisor by the end of the scheme, earning upwards of £35,000 - £45,000.

They will be found a paid training placement at a named restaurant company, with Caravan, Galvin Restaurants, Cubitt House and the River Café among the businesses that have expressed an interest in hosting a scholar.

There were 127,000 job vacancies across the hospitality sector between March and May this year, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), which has forced some businesses to reduce their opening hours and number of covers.

"The effects of Covid and Brexit have reduced the number of competent people who are working in London's restaurants," said Abraham.

"As a result, we need to appeal to a new group of people who previously might not have thought of hospitality as a suitable career path. To do this, we need to show them that training and hard work can lead to a management position within as short a period of time as possible. Such roles are paying up to £50,000 a year."

The Jupiter Scholarship is open to all young people aged 23 years and over. Industry experience is not required but an understanding of the demands of hospitality, and a love for food and drink, is encouraged.

The deadline for applications is 15 September. For more information visit jupiterscholarship.com.

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