D&D London announced today the launch of its Summer School, a paid training programme that aims to secure employment for people with little or no previous experience looking to enter the hospitality industry.
The inaugural Summer School will take place during the week commencing 5 July and will see 30 participants take part. If successful, the initiative will be continued with further schools through the Summer.
D&D London, in common with other restaurants, bars and hotels in the UK, has struggled to secure enough staff as restaurants have got busier since April reopening. The Summer School is one of a number of initiatives D&D is implementing to attract staff.
The week-long paid training programme will focus on three main aspects of restaurants: front of house, back of house and bar. The attendees will be divided into these groups and will be training for the roles of commis waiter, commis chef and bar-back.
Taking place at 100 Wardour Street in Soho, attendees will be paid during the training and the course will end with an interview and, for successful candidates, employment at one of D&D London’s restaurants. All learners will receive an introduction to hospitality, to D&D as a brand, as well as training for mock interviews and CV feedback to increase their chances of employability as they develop their careers.
For the Commis chef course attendees will train in food safety, basic knife skills, allergens and hygiene standards. They will learn classic cookery skills including pasta making, bread baking and how to prepare the perfect omelette. Trainees will enjoy on-site masterclasses from D&D chefs to gain an insight into working in a professional kitchen.
Participants in the Bar Course will learn the fundamentals of these roles as well as about the industry in general and will be trained by industry leaders. Some of the world’s leading drinks brands including Diageo, Asahi, Pernod-Ricard and Nyetimber will have ambassadors leading workshops. Those training as bar-backs will also learn the fundamentals of operating a bar, safety regulations as well as enjoying drinks masterclasses.
Learners on the Commis Waiters course will participate in sessions on providing excellent service, on understanding the importance of teamwork as well as in masterclasses given by senior D&D London servers. They will be provided an insight into the art of front of house as well as an appreciation for the role it plays in an overall restaurant experience.
The week will conclude with a graduation ceremony attended by D&D i.e., Des Gunewardena and David Loewi. Successful participants will secure employment in one of D&D’s restaurants.
Carol Cairnes, People Director, said, ‘We are really looking forward to the start of the Summer School and I do feel that it will bring high quality staff into D&D. Although we hope all participants join us, even if they don’t, they will be more equipped and confident to explore a career in the hospitality industry in general.’