THE team at River Cottage are celebrating after being recognised as one of the nation’s Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers.

River Cottage, just over the border in Axminster, launched its Chefs’ School in June last year.

River Cottage head of education, Chris Griffin, pictured, is delighted to see Chefs’ School recognised by the National Apprenticeship Scheme: “The scheme was set up to train young people in the South West, equipping them with the qualifications they need to secure good quality work in the hospitality industry.

“With emphasis on ethical food sourcing and the skills to work in a professional kitchen our scheme is unlike conventional culinary courses. As a result, our graduates have since gone to work at some of the best restaurants in the UK including Raymond Blanc's Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Morro and Ascot.”

To honour the news of becoming a Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer, River Cottage have released a further 20 places to study at the farm.

The course is free for 16 to 24 year olds, and combines Chef School based courses with on-the-job training across some of the South West’s top restaurants, pubs and hotels.

For more details, email rceducation@rivercottage.net.