ESS Energy, specialist provider of foodservice and facilities management to the offshore sector and related industries, has launched ‘Next Wave’, its first training programme designed specifically to develop the next wave of chef managers for its offshore business.
‘Next Wave: Navigating Your Future’ is a 12-month course for talented chefs with the potential to progress and blends practical experiences with leadership development.
ESS’ chef managers provide a home from home experience for offshore workers who are away for two to three weeks at a time, while living offshore themselves for extended periods. This unique working environment requires technical skills as well as adaptability, resilience and composure under pressure, all of which are developed throughout the year-long course.
Next Wave combines on-the-job training, workshops with subject matter experts, e-learning and practical work, culminating in a final project to develop the knowledge, capabilities, behaviours and competencies required to be a successful chef manager. Delegates will be supported by a mentor who will provide support, advice and guidance during the course and into each individual’s next role.
The energy industry has a well-documented aging workforce, and ESS has designed the programme to develop its next wave of talent and ensure a strong pipeline of managers coming through. The course reinforces the company’s commitment to upskilling its people and investing in their development, as well as providing reassurance to clients around service continuity.
Next Wave is available to existing team members and individuals transitioning into the sector from other industries.
Jennifer McGroarty, Head of HR – ESS Energy, Government & Infrastructure, commented:
“Like all employers in the energy sector, we have an aging workforce and recognise the importance of developing our talent for the future. Next Wave has been designed to support our talented chefs to navigate into managerial roles offshore. Congratulations to all the individuals selected for the programme – we’re looking forward to seeing you progress!”
Claire Boyle, Head of Learning & Development at Compass Group UK & Ireland, commented:
“We’re delighted to launch Next Wave as part of our commitment to developing our talented team members and individuals joining our business. The programme will provide the skills and knowledge chefs need to excel into a managerial role and shape the future of our industry. It’s been an absolute delight to work with the ESS Energy team on the development of the programme.”
Ronnie Kelman, Managing Director – ESS Energy, Government & Infrastructure, added:
“I started my Compass career working offshore as a chef over 30 years ago and I’ve worked with and learnt from some amazing people during that time. This is a fantastic opportunity for our current colleagues and for chefs joining the industry to grow, learn and prepare for their future. I’m excited to see the individuals develop their careers in the years to come.”
Next Wave supports Compass Group UK & Ireland’s Social Promise which includes its ‘Mission to a Million’, a commitment to positively impact one million lives from within and outside the organisation by 2030.
