News / School of Food
School of Food aims to grow the hospitality professionals of the future
Wearing chef’s whites emblazoned with the School of Food logo, half a dozen students currently on commis chef apprenticeships were hard at work in the kitchen at Root on Monday morning.
The Wapping Wharf restaurant is co-owned by Josh Eggleton, who is one of the two founders of the pioneering new training programme that gives young people access to high-quality kitchens such as this, industry experts and invaluable insights.
Eggleton was at Root on Monday during an open day for the School of Food, alongside co-founder Adrian Kirikmaa and representatives from Weston College, Ashton Gate Stadium and St Katherine’s School who are partners in the programme.
is needed now More than ever
The School of Food is aimed at young people looking to break into the industry, as well as those already working in restaurants, hotels and other food businesses, and combines an apprenticeship with work-based training.
Some of the School of Food team; from left to right: Charlie Urry, lead tutor; Brian Howe, training development manager; David Crew, Weston College director of growth; Josh Eggleton, co-founder; and Adrian Kirikmaa, co-founder
“The most difficult thing and the reason why the School of Food exists is to address the skills shortage,” Eggleton told Bristol24/7 on Root’s balcony in the early morning sunshine.
“For me, this is a life project. Things need to get better.”
Kirikmaa, who was awarded a Lord Mayor’s medal this year for charity work in the community, said that for Bristol’s thriving food and drink scene to continue, it needs to fill its chef shortage.
He said: “School of Food has been going really well so far, with the main thing for me being the positive feedback from our students.
“This is about inspiring kids to go into working in our industry. So if there is anyone looking for apprentices, please get in touch.”
For more information about the School of Food, visit www.school-of-food.co.uk
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