Search for apprentices to cook up a storm

A search is underway for six young apprentices to work at a new world class restaurant in Liverpool.

Chef Paul Askew – who already runs the acclaimed London Carriageworks – is opening the Art School Restaurant in the Hope Street Quarter later this year.

He is looking for a number of young people aged 16 and 17 years old who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) to be part of the new venture.

Three commis chef and three waiting staff positions are being offered, funded by the Mayoral Youth Contract Apprenticeship Business Grant Initiative.

No training or experience is necessary and the successful applicants will be paid at the national minimum wage for apprenticeships, which is currently £3.72 an hour.

An information session is being held on Tuesday 10 June from 2pm – 3:30pm at the London Carriageworks on Hope Street, during which Paul Askew will talk about the new venture. To register for a place, call Liverpool City Council’s apprenticeship team during office hours on 0151 233 4699.

Councillor Nick Small, Cabinet member for employment and skills, said: “This is a great opportunity for young people to get their foot on the employment ladder working at a top quality restaurant and I am delighted we are working with Paul Askew on this project.

“So many of our teenagers have fantastic raw potential and this initiative is designed to make sure we don’t end up with a lost generation that aren’t given the opportunity to show what they can do.”

Paul Askew said: “I am looking for raw talent that are enthusiastic, eager to learn with an excellent attitude to be part of my new restaurant team and play a key role in its success.”

Over the last 12 months, more than 100 young people have been taken on by dozens of employers as part of the Mayoral Youth Contract, giving them a chance to get on the first rung of the employment ladder.

The roles have ranged from horticulture, hairdressing and childcare through to catering, construction and sport with companies from the private, public and non-profit sectors.

It forms part of the City Deal negotiated with Government, and Liverpool is one of only three places able to allocate its own pot of money to the scheme through the Youth Contract.

The cost of being NEET from 16-18 years is estimated to cost the public purse around £56,000.

 

Liverpool Waterfront