Chefs from the Munster region this week gathered for a special mentoring workshop at the Institute of Technology, Tralee to support the new Chef De Partie Apprenticeship Programme workshop, supported by Fáilte Ireland and other tourism industry bodies. The workshop was held by Fáilte Ireland to assist existing industry mentors who have apprentice Chef De Parties’ in training to employ the necessary practical coaching and mentoring skills and as part of Fáilte Ireland’s response to address the skills shortage that currently exist within the culinary industry.
The Consortium Steering Group for Chef De Partie was established in 2015. Its membership consists of representatives from the Irish Hotels Federation, the Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI), the Irish Hospitality Institute (IHI), Euro-toques Ireland, the Catering Management Association of Ireland (CMAI), Institutes of Technology (IOTs), the Panel of Chefs and representatives from Fáilte Ireland and SOLAS.
Members engaged in a review of both national/local labour market conditions and skills shortages. The group agreed that what was required was an education and training programme that provided progression pathways from level 6 - 9, whilst still working in industry- gaining valuable experiences as well as the academic qualification. The lead industry partner for the level 7 Chef De Partie Culinary Arts apprenticeship are the Restaurants Association of Ireland and Irish Hotels Federation.
Head of Tourism Careers in Fáilte Ireland, Paul Hayden said:
“A very significant part of the new Chef De Partie Apprenticeship Programme is that the apprentice will experience alternating phases of on and off the job training, so it is crucial that the training and support available within the workplace is of a high standard. Fáilte Ireland is determined to ensure the success of this new apprenticeship scheme to create the best educational environment for apprentices through the hosting of mentoring workshops.
Adrian Cummins, CEO of the RAI speaking about the mentoring programme workshop said:
“The Chef De Partie Programme is another step on the road to solving the skills shortage in our sector. We are delighted that Fáilte Ireland in association with the Restaurants Association of Ireland have delivered on our commitment to establish a Chef De Partie Programme for the sector with the support of Solas and Institutes of Technology across Ireland. It’s vital that restaurants and hospitality businesses feed into the apprenticeship scheme locally and utilise the opportunity to upskill existing staff who want to pursue a career as a Chef or take on an apprentice chef in their establishment.”
Tim Fenn, Chief Executive, Irish Hotels Federation, highlighted the important leadership role of mentors.
“The Chef De Partie Apprenticeship Programme, which has been developed by a consortium including industry bodies, Institutes of Technology and Fáilte Ireland, presents a great opportunity for those who are interested in pursuing a culinary career with an earn and learn model. It is an important part of progression to the role of executive chef and provides a crucial opportunity for employers and mentors to advance the way we attract, develop and retain people in our industry.”
Mary Rose Stafford, Head of School, Business, Computing & Humanities at Tralee IT added:
“We are delighted to work with Fáilte Ireland to roll out the Culinary Apprenticeship Mentor's programme. The Mentor's role is key to the success of the new national culinary apprenticeship programme. The IT, Tralee is the lead provider of the new Chef de Partie Apprenticeship and apprentices can now achieve a degree in Culinary Arts through the apprenticeship model. We are excited to see this programme being rolled out and to witness the next generation of chefs for the hospitality sector.”
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