Disadvantaged Children’s Training Hub

What we offer

From carefully created in-house training programmes to City & Guilds accredited courses, we offer something to suit all employees who have a passion to learn. This includes both craft-based training courses for our chefs and management workshops for those looking to improve their leadership skills.

Culinary training

What our staff love about these training options is that they are able to combine them with their working hours and earn while they learn. Here are some examples of the craft-based training we offer in our Chef Academy:

  • Commis Chef Apprenticeship Standard Level 2 (City & Guilds)
  • Chef de Partie Apprenticeship Standard Level 3 (City & Guilds)
  • Hospitality Supervisor Standard Level 3 (City & Guilds)
  • Elevating Your Salad Bar (Thomas Franks)
  • Pimp Up Your Picnic (Thomas Franks)
  • Vegetarian And Vegan (Thomas Franks)

Non-culinary training

There is a huge selection of development opportunities available to our leaders and future leaders. We are proud that our internal training and apprenticeship programmes have supported so many of our senior leaders within the business. We encourage career pathways that cross functional boundaries, for example our managing directors have backgrounds in front of house hospitality and skilled craft backgrounds. There is no limit to the direction in which our team members are encouraged to develop. For employees looking to work on their managerial skills, below are just some of the courses we offer:

  • Women In Leadership
  • Future Leaders
  • Train The Trainer
  • Improving Client Relations
  • Effective Investigations
  • Challenging Conversations

How can Thomas Franks help our pupils?

Currently Thomas Franks can offer work experience to our existing pupils – they have the opportunity to train within catering facilities at various schools in our vicinity. If you think that your child may enjoy this for their work experience then please do contact us.

Thomas Franks

Our New Dining Room to be utilised as a Training Hub for disadvantaged and/or SEN Children.

Summary: This business case proposes the part use of a catering facility as a training hub through Thomas Franks LTD for disadvantaged children (with or without special education needs) aspiring to enter the catering industry. Thomas Franks aims to provide practical training, mentorship, and employment opportunities, thereby empowering these children with the skills and confidence needed to build successful careers in the catering sector or as a minimum; new skills to support independent living.

Objectives

  1. Skill Development: Provide hands-on training in various aspects of catering and hospitality, including food preparation, cooking, serving, customer service skills and kitchen management.
  2. Employment Opportunities: Facilitate WEX and job placements within the catering industry for program attendees and graduates either through Thomas Franks LTD, their industry contacts or other local partnerships.
  3. Community Engagement: Foster a sense of community and support among participants, mentors, and local businesses.
  4. Sustainability: Ensure the long-term viability of the facility through strategic partnerships

Target Audience

  • Disadvantaged children aged 16-18 who are interested in pursuing a career in the catering industry.
  • Local businesses and catering companies looking to support community initiatives and recruit trained staff.
  • Existing Thomas Franks employees wishing to develop their skills and/or enrol on a NVQ apprenticeship
  • Existing Alfriston School students wishing to learn new skills, embark on WEX and/or start a career in the hospitality industry

Key Benefits

For Participants:

  1. Access to professional training and certification through the Thomas Franks masterclasses, on site Thomas Franks teams and mentors and their third party NVQ accreditors
  2. Improved employment prospects and career advancement opportunities through Thomas Franks clients and contacts
    Personal development and increased self-esteem.

For the Community:

  1. Reduction in youth unemployment and associated social issues.
  2. Strengthened local and regional hospitality trade through the creation of skilled workers.
  3. Enhanced community cohesion and support networks.

For Partner Businesses:

  1. Access to a pool of trained and motivated potential employees.
  2. Positive corporate social responsibility (CSR) impact.
  3. Opportunities for collaboration and community engagement and charity

Case Study

5 years ago Petronella started at Thomas Franks as a kitchen assistant making cold desserts and fruit platters. Since then she has gone from strength to strength, was promoted to pastry chef and has won the TF Customer service awards one year. Petronella decided to get a commis chef de cuisine qualification so has joined the TF apprenticeship programme which she is completing very soon. Early this year Petronella started her new role as chef manager at ALFRISTON SCHOOL and is doing fantastic work by showering everybody with lovingly prepared culinary delights!

A perfect example of the aspirational journey that everyone in the Thomas Franks family is encouraged to do.

Pictured here too is Jess who was one of our work experience pupils from Alfriston. Jess aspires to become a chef one day and has just accepted an Apprenticeship at Thomas Franks. Jess is doing some excellent work!

Yesterday Petronella prepared a delicious Pan-Asian spread of Tori karaage, Mee goreng, egg rolls, Singapore noodles, Phad Thai and mango pancakes.

Picture: Petronella – Chef Manager at Alfriston School along with the Business Director – Lisa Ellis and our newest Apprentice – Jess Pays – who has just recently left Alfriston School and has accepted a full time Apprenticeship at Thomas Franks!

Thomas Franks Case Study