Compass Group brings Junior Chef Academy to Aberdeenshire

These students are from Mackie Academy in Stonehaven, Mearns Academy in Laurencekirk, and Portlethen Academy in Portlethen. Chefs from ESS Energy will teach the students, with Mackie Academy hosting the sessions.

Led by professional chefs as an after-school extra-curricular activity, the JCA teaches fundamental cookery skills. This includes how to create dishes using a range of different culinary techniques and ingredients. The initiative aims to teach cooking as an essential life skill, encourage an interest in and engagement with food at an early age, and educate young people to consider careers in hospitality. 

The programme also promotes local sourcing, sustainability, nutrition, good hygiene, and healthy eating practices.

Louise Moir, Head Teacher at Mackie Academy, commented: “It is a privilege to be asked to host the Junior Chef Academy at Mackie, an offer from ESS which is a result of many years of successful partnership working. We are delighted to be able to open up this offer to include Mearns and Portlethen. 

This opportunity gives pupils the chance to engage with professional chefs, providing an insight to the industry as well as an opportunity to advance their skills. These twelve young learners will have had an experience that no other pupil in Scotland has had, and we look forward to seeing what they go on to achieve.” 

Graham Singer, Culinary Director, ESS Energy, Government & Infrastructure and Compass Scotland, who leads the Academy in Scotland, said: “This course gives students a real understanding of the skills needed to become a chef and the wide range of opportunities available in the hospitality industry. Our aim is to encourage the next generation of talent in the local area, and on top of that, we hope to inspire young people to make healthier, more sustainable food choices. It’s always brilliant to see young people engaged and enthused by their experience and I very much hope to see some of them develop these skills further – maybe we have the next top chef in our midst!” 

Developed by the Compass Apprenticeships Team, the JCA is available to all areas of the business. Courses have previously been delivered to schools across the Midlands, southern England, and South Wales. Expansion for the new academic year is planned in London and the East of England, as well as Scotland.

Brakes supports the initiative by sponsoring the programme and providing all attendees with chef jackets, produce, and ingredients for the celebratory graduation meal. 

The JCA forms a key part of Compass’ Classroom to Careers strategy, supporting young people into work and helping them understand the opportunities available to them, which is part of its wider ‘Our Social Promise’. Compass is committed to the continued growth of the programme, scaling further across the country in the future.

Jonathan Foot, Director of Skills & Early Careers at Compass Group UK & Ireland said: “Compass is committed to nurturing the next generation of talent, as well as supporting the development of our existing employees, through our extensive apprenticeship and career pathway programmes. 

Through our network of experienced and talented chefs, young people gain valuable insight, guidance and hands-on expertise at a crucial stage in their development. The feedback we have received from both students and parents highlights the significant impact of the JCA programme. The programme not only builds confidence in the kitchen and develops valuable culinary skills but also inspires a genuine passion for cooking. We hope this enthusiasm will encourage participants to pursue further education, apprenticeships and rewarding careers within the culinary sector.”