RIVER Cottage has partnered up with more than 70 restaurants, pubs and hotels in the South West to aid the government’s target of employing three million apprentices in the next five years.

The government's target means that 600,000 learners are needed every year to fulfil its ambitions.

Helping to source potential candidates for River Cottage is the South West’s leading provider of apprenticeships The Cornwall College Group, which already helps find apprentices for Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen restaurant, Nathan Outlaw and the Eden Project.

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, founder of River Cottage, said: “The restaurant trade is one of the many professions in which apprenticeships and hands-on learning have always been key.

“Young cooks like apprenticeships are expected to roll up their sleeves and knuckle down from day one.

“They rapidly learn on the job absorbing wisdom from those around them and developing skills immediately depended on in a busy commercial environment.

“Apprenticeships are a great way to earn while you learn and by studying with River Cottage, they will also understand food culture, provenance, animal welfare, sustainability, food miles and waste in every lesson.

“At River Cottage we believe that food ethics and cookery go hand in hand.”

Kath Walker, business relationship manager for The Cornwall College Group, said: “We are delighted to be working with River Cottage.

“We have a wealth of experience in promoting vacancies to relevant audiences and to attract suitable candidates.

“Since 2005 we have placed 10,000 apprentices with employers.

“We are already partnered with some of the biggest house-hold names in the catering and hospitality industry and we welcome River Cottage to our portfolio.”

Apprentices get to visit the 100-acre organic farm, which is just over the border in Axminster, twice monthly as part of their course.

They added: "Anyone with a keen passion for cookery or interested in front of house service, will find an apprenticeship a great way to learn.

"Not only are you working in a real business, but you also benefit from expert tuition both at you place of work and in the training environment, with River

"On successful completion of your apprenticeship your CV will show that you trained with River Cottage, a sure way to help make your CV stand out."

To find out more about the young chef, and food and beverage service apprenticeships that are available please visit rivercottage.net/chefs-school

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