Casual Dining Group (CDG), one of the UK’s largest independent restaurant companies, has officially launched its Leadership Academy Plus programme, combining its award-winning internal talent and leadership programmes with apprenticeships.
The new programme launches during National Apprenticeship Week 2020, which runs from 3-7 February. It has been developed in partnership with apprenticeship specialists Remit Group, to provide a series of internal targeted training programmes for Casual Dining Group employees at every stage of their career.
Combining internal talent programmes with Apprenticeship Programmes Level 2, Level 3 and Level 4, the Leadership Academy Plus+ training programme has been created in line with national apprenticeship standards and is available to all Casual Dining Group employees at every level, with a focus on key areas such as back of house hospitality, food production and management.
The Leadership Academy Plus course includes:
Back of House (BOH) Hospitality Team Member Level 2
Front of House (FOH) Hospitality Team Member Level 2
Senior Production Chef Level 3
Hospitality Supervisor Level 3
Hospitality Manager (FOH) Level 4
Hospitality Manager (BOH) Level 4
Claire Clarke, Group HR Director, Casual Dining Group, added: “We are delighted to launch the new Leadership Academy Plus programme across the business. Investing in our people and providing them with the opportunity to progress in their careers, whilst gaining recognised accreditations in the process, is something we’re incredibly passionate about.
'These structured courses will give clear guidelines and support for identifying and elevating hardworking, talented employees throughout our business, and further demonstrates the rich pool of opportunities that exist within a career in hospitality.”
Sue Pittock, CEO, Remit Group, said, “It has been fantastic to work alongside Casual Dining Group to map out the Leadership Academy Plus programme. There is a misconception that apprenticeships are entry level programmes, when actually there are a number of managerial apprenticeship levels available, clearly highlighted by the breadth and depth of this initiative.
'CDG’s focus on providing its team members with the opportunities to grow, develop and progress within the business and industry is a shining example for all businesses to follow.”
In addition to Leadership Academy Plus, CDG runs a number of other apprenticeship courses focusing on a variety of specialisms, such as HR, finance and marketing. The courses are facilitated by a number of different providers, including Leeds Beckett University which delivers the BA (Hons) Business Management Practice Degree Apprenticeship Chartered Manager course.