chefs don't realise how massive the industry is, they need dedication, focus and structured learning and HIT can mentor them through their programme with the aim that they will take ownership of their own development."
Having supported more than 60,000 learners and apprentices at over 10,000 employer sites across the country since the company formed in 2006, HIT Training has a strong understanding of what learners and employers need to forge a life-enhancing, or business-boosting relationship.
Based on this, more than 70% of HIT apprentices complete and obtain either a BTEC or City & Guilds diploma. In the last year alone HIT delivered over half of all hotel and catering apprenticeships in England and helped more than 20,000 people gain a qualification, apprenticeship or job.
One of those successful learners is Crystal Old. The 19-year-old was ready to give up on being a chef a few years ago and now she is working in the pastry section at Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons.
"My first job was a bad experience, the chef I worked with wasn't a boss he was a bully," explained Crystal. "I lost all my confidence, I was coming home crying every day and being told I wasn't cut out to be a chef.
"I spoke to HIT and they helped me get out of that situation, they placed me with Jamie Jones at Yalbury Cottage Hotel in Dorchester and I completed my Professional Cookery Advanced Apprenticship there. I went from all round cooking, to working with three other chefs to now where there are 13 members of the pastry kitchen and 40 in the main kitchen."
She added: "It's my dream job. HIT made such a difference and gave me my confidence back."
