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Group photo of apprentices and staff from Hall & Woodhouse and staff from Activate Learning

Activate Apprenticeships onboards first cohort of Senior Production Chefs with Hall & Woodhouse

Activate Apprenticeships are delighted to onboard their first cohort of Senior Production Chef Level 3 Apprentices from Hall & Woodhouse.

Hall & Woodhouse, a family-run business, operate 180 pubs in the South of England, are partnering with Activate Apprenticeships.

The first cohort of apprentices were onboarded at Reading College and University Centre’s very own restaurant, The Kitchen on Tuesday 4 November.

The apprentices will start their training in January, at Reading College and University Centre.

During their apprenticeship, they will be taught different food preparation techniques including sauces, poultry preparation, desserts, and seafood preparation.

At the end of their apprenticeship, the apprentices will take over The Kitchen and run a service showcasing their skills with some complex dishes.

Ryan Jenkins, 29, from Bracknell, is a Chef de Partie working at Hall & Woodhouse Taplow in Buckinghamshire.

He said: “Having worked in the hospitality industry for six years, I’m looking forward to furthering my knowledge and skills and gaining a better understanding during my apprenticeship.

“I think that this will be a really good opportunity for me which will enable me to advance within Hall & Woodhouse, to become a Sous Chef and then a Head Chef in the future.”

Dawn Hoskins, Business Engagement Specialist at Activate Apprenticeships, said: “We are delighted to announce our collaboration with Hall & Woodhouse to deliver the first eight-month Hospitality Apprenticeship Standard.

“This partnership is an exciting step forward in developing exceptional talent within the hospitality industry, combining Hall & Woodhouse’s renowned operational excellence with our commitment to high-quality training and career development.

“Together, we aim to provide apprentices with an inspiring and practical learning journey that equips them with the skills, knowledge and confidence to thrive in hospitality careers.”

Jill Meyerhoff, Head of Recruitment and Immigration at Hall & Woodhouse, said: “At Hall & Woodhouse, we want to give everyone the best opportunity to be supported and succeed.

“Working with Activate Apprenticeships is brilliant, as it allows us to create a bespoke apprenticeship that benefits everyone.

“Training our apprentices at Reading College enables us to develop our chefs in a location which is closer and more convenient for them, equipping them with the skills they will need for a successful career with us at Hall & Woodhouse.”

Find out more about Activate Apprenticeships and the apprenticeships they offer or call 0800 612 6008.

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Progression routes

What happens next? Most people stay on with the employer they train with, but there are plenty of options! You may decide to study a higher-level apprenticeship, return to academic studies, or work full time. We will support you whatever you decide!

The apprenticeship programme

You will have access to a range of support and advice we have on offer. This includes support from Advice and Admissions, Learning Support and Student Support.

You can access all facilities at Activate Learning Colleges and reap benefits, such as student discount. However, you may not be entitled to certain funding and travel bursaries as apprenticeships are paid positions.

How much will I earn?

The amount you’ll earn will vary depending on the nature of your role, sector and business you are working with.

The minimum hourly rate for an apprentice is £8.00, however most apprentices are paid more than this. If you are over 19 and have completed one year, you will be paid national minimum wage. 

You will also be entitled to the same conditions as all other employees in a business, including paid holiday, sick pay and pensions (where requirements are met).

What can I expect from my apprenticeship?

You must be at least 16 years old when you start an apprenticeship.

There are 3 types of apprenticeships depending on your requirements and previous qualifications: day release, work-based and block-release.

Your apprenticeship programme may be assessed with:

  • Practical assessments/exams
  • A portfolio of evidence
  • Interviews and presentations
  • Final assessments
  • On and off the job training

You will have a performance coach visit your workplace every eight weeks as well as an inhouse mentor throughout your apprenticeship.

An apprenticeship typically lasts 24 months, but can vary between 12 months to 5 years.