Compass Scotland has introduced its inaugural senior apprenticeship programme, Elevate, in partnership with Stephen McLaughlin, head chef of Scotland’s longest-standing two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Restaurant Andrew Fairlie.
This 18-month programme is designed for sous chefs and above, blending practical culinary experience with leadership and business development skills.
The programme aims to enhance participants’ culinary skills and introduce leadership fundamentals. It also fosters commercial and sustainability awareness, resulting in a SVQL7 Hospitality Supervision and Leadership Modern Apprenticeship in partnership with City of Glasgow College.
Participants will receive exclusive mentorship from Stevie McLaughlin and participate in high-profile events across the Compass network, gaining valuable industry insights from top chefs, commercial directors, and finance managers.
Elevate aligns with the Compass Group UK & Ireland apprenticeship framework, serving as a progression route to the prestigious Forward with Marcus Wareing programme. This initiative addresses a recognized training gap for advanced chefs, offering a structured career pathway.
Jonathan Foot, Director of Skills and Early Careers at Compass Group UK & Ireland, emphasised the programme’s role in developing exceptional culinary talent and shaping the industry’s future.
He said: “We recognised that there was a training gap for sous chefs and head chefs who are advanced in their careers and might not ordinarily consider further development opportunities.
“We have countless success stories where school and college leavers have joined our industry and trained on the job, carving out successful careers for themselves, yet apprenticeships also provide an aspirational career pathway structure for people further on in their career.”
Stevie McLaughlin, Head Chef of Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, said: “I’m thrilled to be part of the Elevate Programme and to support the next wave of Scottish culinary talent.
“I’ve loved being involved with the Compass Scotland apprenticeship programme over the last few years and I’m keen to get started working with the senior chefs too.”
Carla Gethin, Director of Business Partnerships at City of Glasgow College, said: “We are delighted to partner with Compass Scotland on the Elevate programme, which will equip talented senior chefs with the skills, leadership, and commercial awareness needed to thrive in today’s dynamic hospitality industry.
“At City of Glasgow College, we are committed to delivering industry-led education that meets the evolving needs of the sector, and this collaboration reflects our shared ambition to develop Scotland’s next generation of culinary leaders.”
Compass Scotland offers over 20 apprenticeship programmes and is committed to creating learning opportunities through its Our Social Promise, aiming to positively impact one million lives by 2030.
The Elevate programme reflects this commitment, focusing on enhancing opportunities and changing lives through education and training.
