College chef academy launched in collaboration with restaurant brand

A new chef academy specialising in British Asian cuisine is set to enhance the Catering & Hospitality training on offer at Bradford College.

The MyLahore Academy will shortly be enrolling its first class of adult students who will begin the new programme in September.

Students will learn the art of fusion cooking from experts at the restaurant brand, working at Bradford College and in restaurant settings, while gaining a Level 2 Professional Cookery qualification.

Academy trainees and students on other catering programmes will benefit from monthly masterclasses covering pasties to authentic curries. The masterclasses will be delivered at Bradford College and in restaurant kitchens by MyLahore professionals.

Furkan Uddin, head of department for professional services at Bradford College, said: “We’re pleased MyLahore has agreed to be the employer sponsor of this new Academy at Bradford College.

“Tutors have collaborated with MyLahore to create bespoke Level 2 curriculum, tailoring units to their business needs.

“Not only is this a fantastic opportunity for students to learn at the forefront of culinary innovation, but it delivers sought-after skills needed in a booming sector and which appeals to a local demographic and jobs market.”

MyLahore British Asian Kitchen opened its doors in 2002. Today, the restaurant has outlets in Bradford, Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham, and Blackburn.

The Academy induction masterclass in September will be delivered by Ghafoor Farooq, who began his journey at Bradford College before progressing to food & innovation director at MyLahore.

He said: “This innovative education collaboration is an exciting new development for MyLahore and Bradford College.

“Given there is an urgent sector-wide call for more specialists with skills in international cuisine, we’re confident the MyLahore Academy will help shape talent to fill skill shortages in the UK workforce and lead to real paid employment in our restaurants.”

Bradford College is already an established training provider for the Hospitality & Catering sector, with courses available to those who want to enhance their job prospects with management qualifications or start out in the industry.