Case Study: Compass Group UK and Ireland
Compass Group partnered with the charity 'Training For Life' to create the
Hoxton Apprentice – a commercial training restaurant in Shoreditch that helps
disadvantaged people from the local community get real jobs, on real wages and in
real
environments. It also raises awareness of the hospitality industry as a
potential professional career path.
Apprentices, supported by the core staff of tutor-chefs, trainers and managers,
are long-term unemployed seeking a career in hospitality. Trained over six
months to NVQ standard in food preparation, service and bar work, they gain
valuable
experience working in a fully-operational restaurant and learn vital
life-skills.
The restaurant's profits help fund a Prospect Centre, an enterprising learning
community aimed at regenerating local neighbourhoods.
To date, the programme has had a positive impact providing the following
opportunities:
- 110 apprentices in paid employment
- Over 700 people each year participating through outreach programmes
- 300 unemployed people a year achieving vocational qualifications
- 32 new jobs created
- 18 people a year being supported in self-employment.
The project provides sustainability, engagement and development of a local
community ensuring wider social and economic benefits.
Highly Commended in 2007 Community Partnership Awards: Local Community Category
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More Information
FDF has published a booklet called Working in the Community: the food industry in action
(pdf, 1.2Mb) . This publication features a range of company case studies and
Community
Partnership Award winners demonstrating how our members are forging
links
with
their local communities and consumers.
Last reviewed: 16 May 2008