Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel has welcomed the first student onto its chef apprenticeship programme, designed to develop the next generation of culinary professionals.
Nineteen-year-old Jacob Poynton, pictured, has been enrolled on the bespoke scheme at the five-star, 131-room hotel, which offers students the chance to gain experience in a commercial kitchen environment while completing a nationally recognised commis chef qualification. 
Jacob is one of 11 budding chefs taking part in the programme at various Macdonald Hotels & Resorts across the UK.
The course, which lasts 15 months, offers tailored training to each candidate under the guidance of Macdonald Hotels & Resorts chefs and includes masterclasses on a variety of culinary skills, including fish, butchery, pastry, game, bread and dough.
The full-time course, which is fully funded by Macdonald Hotels & Resorts, has been developed in partnership with Babcock International, one of Britain’s most prestigious training providers. It will provide a nationally recognised culinary qualification.
A Babcock International trainer will support each candidate through their qualification, along with individual mentoring at their workplace from the head chef and sous chef.
When they have finished the course, the apprentices then sit an independently assessed exam that includes both theoretical and practical skills.
Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel general manager Stephen Browning said: “The introduction of the chef apprentice course illustrates a commitment from Macdonald Hotels & Resorts to invest in the next generation of top chefs.
“By providing the students with the highest standard of training possible, we can best prepare them for a successful future career within hospitality.
“To make your mark in this industry you need ambition, appreciation for detail and talent. Through this program, myself and the wider team will mentor these young students as they discover their passion and develop their skills.”
Babcock national account manager Richard Jupp added: “We take great pride in our versatility as one of the UK’s leading apprenticeship training providers and we’re excited about our partnership with Macdonald Hotels & Resorts which supports the recruitment and training of future talented new chefs to the hotel group.”
