Fast-growing restaurant chain launches apprenticeship scheme

South West bar and burger restaurant Hub Box  is launching a chef apprentice scheme for local people.

It will give people the chance to kick-start their chef careers and achieve a recognised qualification, while evolving and learning skills within Hub Box kitchens and the wider industry.

The pilot scheme will be rolled out in all four Cornwall-based Hub Box restaurants with one apprentice in each.

The scheme will give apprentices the chance to study for their level two chef qualifications in a tailored programme crafted to meet the specific requirements of Hub Box’s chef roles, created in collaboration with St Austell Brewery and the Rick Stein Group.

The 12-month course will see the apprentices under the supervision, guidance and coaching of the head chef, sous chef and head of food.

They will be trained, coached and mentored in Hub Box kitchens while attending Truro College every other Friday during term time.

At the end of the 12-month scheme, each apprentice will be required to undertake a three-month end assessment to complete the programme and achieve their Level two chef qualification.

Hub Box founder Richard Boon said: “The new apprentice scheme builds on our ambition to make Hub Box a favourite place for our customers to visit and an awesome place to work for our people.

“None of our success would be possible without the hard work, passion and commitment of our talented team and it’s important for us to also work hard on attracting and retaining great people through the creation of ongoing learning and development opportunities.

“Hospitality is a great industry to work in, and our apprentice scheme gives our chefs a chance to gain qualifications which will open doors for them in the future, hopefully in-house as we expand Hub Box, and for their careers in the wider industry.”

If successful, Hub Box intends to extend the offering to its restaurants out of the county, to strengthen the experience of its staff, hone their skills and put them on a progression path to support future openings for the brand.

The four Hub Box apprentices will be part of a cohort including those from St Austell Brewery and The Rick Stein Group, building their restaurant industry connections and experience.

Hub Box locations currently include St Ives, Truro, Pentewan, Falmouth, Exeter, Plymouth, Taunton, Cardiff, Cheltenham, Bristol, Dorchester and Portsmouth.