AN award-winning seafood chef is urging restaurants across Glasgow to support an initiative to help young people gain employment in the food and drink .
Derek Marshall, chef patron of Gamba, has thrown his weight behind the Get into Cooking initiative, which is run by The Princes Trust in partnership with City of Glasgow College.
The vocational training course offers experience in working kitchens, provides training and certification in REHIS Elementary Food Hygiene and, ultimately, helps young people pursue a career.
Now in its 10th year, the programme has helped over 400 young people, including 21-year-old Noreen Mushtaq.
After completing the five week course last September, she got a placement at Gamba. She was subsequently offered a part-time position and continues to receive on the job training.
Prior to this Ms Mushtaq, from Bishopbriggs, had been unemployed for eight months, had unsuccessfully applied for various kitchen jobs and was beginning to doubt a career in hospitality.
Mr Marshall said: "Noreen is a complete joy to have in my kitchen. The course has really helped her understand food and environmental hygiene, which is integral to working in any kitchen and the hands-on experience the course offered her gave her the opportunity to build practical skills in a real kitchen."
Ms Mushtaq said: "Working with Derek has been amazing so far. It's a fun learning atmosphere and it's a friendly kitchen. I'm really enjoying the opportunity."
Mr Marshall said he wanted to try and encourage other businesses to offer placements.
He said: "I think that as restaurant owners we should be helping to offer up these learning opportunities for the next generation and I'm now urging other restaurateurs in Glasgow to back the Get into Cooking programme and get Glasgow cooking."
Willie McCurrach, curriculum head for food at City of Glasgow College, said: "A positive strength of the programme is the tailored work placement which is an integral part of the programme to give the young person a taste of the working life."
*The next Get into Cooking course begins on April 13 and is open those aged 16 to 25. Call 0141 204 4409 for information.
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