Opportunity to learn new skills with Skye and Lochaber Cookery Initiative Pilot
The Highland Council is delighted to announce the launch of the Skye and Lochaber Cookery Initiative Pilot in partnership with The West Highland College UHI, NHS Highland, Lochaber Chamber of Commerce and Skills Development Scotland.
Co-ordinated by the Council’s Employability Service, the Cookery Initiative pilot aims to reduce local unemployment, upskilling and providing invaluable work experience, increasing sustainability of employment within the hospitality sector.
The initiative seeks to encourage up to 22 individuals across Lochaber and Skye to gain experience across a range of Council, NHS Highland, and commercial kitchens, while, at the same time, undertaking an accredited college course.
At the end of the initiative, it is hoped that the participants will choose a career in cookery, secure employment and further training in the sector or progress onto a full-time cookery course before joining the sector.
Chair of the Council’s Economic and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Trish Robertson said: “This is an excellent example of Partnership working to address local employment issues. I would encourage unemployed people interested in cooking to apply for this opportunity and for local hospitality business to get involved.”
The Cookery Initiative Pilot is suitable for school leavers and those who have been unemployed for 8+ weeks.
Participants can expect:-
- 6 months paid training placement (Scottish living wage)
- Industry recognised certificates
- SQA accreditation
- Guaranteed entry onto cookery course at West Highland College UHI on completion of programme
- Guaranteed job interview at end of programme
- Mentoring support
The Skye and Lochaber Cookery Initiative Pilot is funded by The Highland Council and the Scottish Government under the Youth Guarantee, No One Left Behind, Long Term Unemployed and Parental Employment Support funding streams.
For more information or to register your interest for either the Skye course or the Lochaber course please email the Employability Team at employability@highland.gov.uk