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White Oaks, the senior living division of ��ҹ�糡 UK & Ireland, has launched a specialised apprenticeship programme for senior living and hospice catering.

The Production Chef Apprenticeship Programme has been designed for those working in care and senior living settings, to equip participants with the skills to prepare nutritious, balanced meals tailored to the dietary needs of individuals in care homes, assisted-living facilities, retirement villages and hospices.

Created in partnership with leading hospitality apprenticeship provider HIT Training, the 12-month programme comprises modules, which include kitchen dynamics, the production and presentation of dishes, safety essentials, kitchen management and stock control, plus adaptation and modification of food.

The course will provide the opportunity to achieve a Level 2 Production Chef Apprenticeship. Plus, the Chefs will also have access to an L1 Mental Health First Aid Awareness Course and a 12-month Affiliate Membership with the Institute of Hospitality (IoH).

Colleagues have been selected for the inaugural wave, which recently launched at ��ҹ�糡’ head office in Chertsey.

Laura Tighe, Business Director at White Oaks said: “Our commitment to personalised care means we need our chefs to be talented, with a unique skillset - to serve those within a healthcare and senior living environment to the highest of standards. This will ensure we are fully equipping participants with the knowledge, skills and confidence to create delicious, nutritious meals that support health and wellbeing, across diverse dietary needs.”

Darren Neal, Head of Culinary at White Oaks said: “We’re investing in this programme to build a strong, sustainable talent pipeline and ensure the highest standards of culinary experience across our venues. By developing chefs, our organisation can shape skills, nurture creativity and enhance its culture. This really demonstrates our commitment to offering meaningful careers and developing future leaders.”

Participant in the programme, John Cooper said: “I am really excited to be joining the first wave of this new apprenticeship programme. This is a great opportunity for me to take my career to the next level - it’s great to have a programme dedicated to this specific area of expertise.”

Luke Ford, Senior Operations Manager Apprenticeships, ��ҹ�糡 UK & Ireland: “This is a great example of collaboration across our business. This programme amplifies how apprenticeships add value to specific skills development in specialist areas of ��ҹ�糡. I am looking forward to seeing our cohort learn and grow through this course.”