Today sees the launch of the Jupiter Restaurant Scholarship, a new charitable scheme which aims to develop tomorrow’s managers and leaders of the hospitality industry.
Launched by Neville Abraham, the founder of Groupe Chez Gerard, alongside fellow industry veterans Michael Gottlieb (My Kinda Town, Smollensky’s), Deborah Jelffs (MW Eat, Groupe Chez Gerard), John Lederer (City Centre, Brasserie Blanc) and David Gleave (Liberty Wines), the Jupiter aims to attract bright young people to the industry by offering a bespoke training and development programme.
The restaurant industry is facing an unparalleled post-Covid and Brexit challenge as it struggles to attract sufficient talented staff to enable outlets to open for a full week of trading. With an eye on the robust growth being enjoyed by premium restaurants and hotels, the training programme aims to fast track the selected scholars in an attempt to create tomorrow’s managers and leaders. A brilliant alternative to paid for further education, application is completely free - as are all training costs involved post acceptance. For those who apply and are successful, will enter an invaluable, practical paid apprenticeship-style scheme, which will see them receive comprehensive paid training before being found a placement at a named restaurant company.
Examples of companies who have expressed interest to host a Jupiter scholar include Caravan, Galvin, Cubitt House, The River Café. During their placement, which will last up to 12 months, the scholars will also be paired with a mentor from the industry and will also have access to additional training modules from the likes of Liberty Wines and London Cocktail Club. The aim is for the scholars to be able to reach the level of Restaurant Supervisor by the end of the programme, earning upwards of £35k - £45k, and be in a position to build and develop their careers going forward.
The Jupiter Scholarship is open to all young people from 23 years +. Industry experience is not needed but an understanding of the demands of the industry, and a love for food and drink, is encouraged. “The effects of Covid and Brexit have reduced the number of competent people who are working in London’s restaurants”, says Neville Abraham. “As a result, we need to appeal to a new group of people who previously might not have thought of hospitality as a suitable career path.
To do this, we need to show them that training and hard work can lead to a management position within as short a period of time as possible. Such roles are paying up to £50,000 a year,” he concludes.
Please visit jupiterscholarship.com for more information on how to apply.