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Darren Brady, Commis Chef Apprentice, the Redbank; Terry McCoy, proprietor, the Redbank; Agnieszka Niedzielak, Commis Chef apprentice, Jurys Inn Christchurch; and Darina Brennan, Executive Chef, Dalata Hotel Group at the launch of the National Commis Chef Apprenticeship Programme. Photo: Naoise Culhane
KERRY Education and Training Board has announced the rollout of the National Commis Chef Apprenticeship Programme in the county this February.
The Programme will provide aspiring chefs across Ireland with a two–year formal education and training programme that will kick-start their careers as professional chefs.
The Apprenticeship is two years in duration, consisting of alternating phases of 60% on-the-job training with their employers and 40% off-the-job training in ETB Centres.
Apprentices who enrol in the programme will be paid for the duration of their apprenticeship, by their employer.
Thus this ‘Earn while you Learn’ model makes the National Commis Chef Apprenticeship programme a very enticing prospect. Successful apprentices will be awarded a QQI Advanced Certificate in Culinary Arts at Level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications.
The programme, the only one of its kind in the country, is supported by the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF), the Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI), the Irish Hospitality Institute (IHI), Euro-toques Ireland, Catering Management Association of Ireland (CMAI), Fáilte Ireland, SOLAS, Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and Institutes of Technology (IOTs). Kerry ETB has being appointed Coordinating Provider for the new National Commis Chef Apprenticeship Programme in Ireland.
Speaking at the Programme launch in Dublin, Owen O Donnell, Director of Further Education and Training for Kerry ETB stated; “Kerry ETB is delighted to be leading the new National Apprenticeship for Commis Chefs. This Apprenticeship has been developed in partnership between Education & Training Boards and the hospitality and culinary industry to provide the sector with highly skilled people. This is the first of the New Apprenticeships launched by the further education and training sector and will provide a direct route to employment with excellent career and progression opportunities for the apprentice graduates”
The programme was officially launched at a reception in Dublin by Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton, TD, with representatives of the hospitality and tourism industry as well as the seven Education and Training Boards involved in delivering the educational aspects of the programme.
Launching the programme Minister Bruton, TD, stated; “I am delighted to launch the new Commis Chef Apprenticeship today. This new national apprenticeship offers a welcome pathway to a career in the hospitality sector, where apprentices will learn critical skills to succeed in their field”.
For further information contact the Kerry ETB Training Centre on 066 7126444 or visit www.kerryetbtrainingcentre.ie If you are an employer looking to engage with the Apprenticeship contact Con O Sullivan on 087 3548915
