The Cooks’ Champion Much Needed New Chef Management Development Programme

Spring of this year saw the exciting launch of The Worshipful Company of Cooks all new Chef Management Development Programme. Driven forward by Freeman Philippe Rossiter, and with the expert input of Dr Hilary Cooke, this management level apprenticeship is aimed at improving management skills, developing leadership talent, and building career prospects for senior level Chefs moving up the career ladder into management. Progress is overseen by the AoCC who have been really impressed with the quality of the programme and positive impact it is already having.

The Programme is based on a level 4 Apprenticeship in Hospitality Management with specialisms for kitchen management. In all, there are 14 key workshops covering all the important topics needed (see box). These workshops are held every 4-6 weeks with the kitchen management modules managed by Westminster Kingsway College and the leadership and management ones taught by Dr Cooke and colleagues from Merlin Consultancy.

The first cohort of 15 people are all sous or chef de partie level from leading companies in the industry and clearly the programme has been welcomed from candidates and their employers.

Cohort 2 will be open for applications shortly and will close on Feb 17th 2023 – download from the Company website or contact hilary@merlin-consultancy.com

Class of 22

“The Worshipful Company of Cooks Chef Management Development programme came to me at a perfect time in my career, as I was faced with a choice as to which direction to take myself in next. It has taken me to another level both professionally and personally and has given me the knowledge, confidence and opportunity to take the leap into senior management. Hilary and Chris from Merlin have delivered the course content in a relaxed yet informative way using all of their combined years of managerial experiences to pull on. Coupled with Nick from Westminster College, and his wealth of industry and kitchen knowledge, it has made the perfect recipe for successful learning. I love having the workshops held in some of the most prestigious and unique hotels and clubs, and the opportunity that comes with them to meet leaders at the top of the industry. As soon as one workshop finishes, I’m already looking forward to the next one!”
Sam

“This programme is filling a serous gap in the progression between a senior culinary accomplished chef to a chef manager, that going forward needs to have firm underpinning in the financial and logistic administration of a Professional Kitchen. Sam was at this stage in his career, this has enabled me to not only retain him in my organisation but has also given him a hunger that is both fulfilling and satisfying to his own personal progression. It also has given him the confidence to ask poignant questions and input interesting oversight”
Stephen Carter (Sam’s boss)

“The apprenticeship programme has been a wonderful opportunity to interact with talented chefs and witness some extraordinary locations, whilst delving into areas of management that are alien to most of us that work in kitchens. It is an eye-opening and rewarding experience which lays a solid managerial foundation that can be taken forward into building a successful career in hospitality. It’s been a real privilege being part of this course.”
Mr Phil Weston, Sous Chef, Downe House

“The apprenticeship programme has been a fantastic opportunity for Phil and indeed Downe House. Phil has engaged in some excellent managerial development, and he has also had the opportunity to broaden his knowledge and understanding of the hospitality industry in some amazing venues which has inspired him. We have seen some excellent progress from the skills Phil is developing. With better understanding of the industry, change management, communication skills and brand identity, image and marketing knowledge, amongst others, Phil is reinvigorating the kitchen brigade at Downe House School. I am extremely excited for the future of the catering and hospitality operation here at our boarding school.”
Mr Dougie Brown, Head of General Services, Downe House (Phil’s boss)