Ayrshire: Buzzworks Holdings, a prominent name in the hospitality industry, has recently introduced its own in-house Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) accredited training centre.
This new endeavour is poised to serve as a launching pad for aspiring hospitality professionals, nurturing their skills and ambitions.
Located at Buzzworks’ head office in Kilmarnock, the training centre commenced operations in September, marking a substantial milestone in the company’s commitment to nurturing talent and elevating industry standards.
With a primary focus on addressing the culinary skill shortage, Buzzworks envisions future diversification of the program. Designed to be flexible, candidates can progress at their own pace, even during off-peak times, potentially expediting their journey compared to traditional college courses.
Led by Holli Gordon, the company’s Learning and Development Manager, with support from Chef Trainer Neil Clark and Bar Trainer Gavin Goslan, the training centre aims to provide valuable learning experiences for employees seeking to advance their careers in hospitality.
The centre’s offerings include various training and development opportunities, from culinary masterclasses to service excellence, leadership development, and customized brand training.
Holli Gordon, a nine-year veteran of Buzzworks, expressed her vision for the training centre, stating, “We aim to ignite a passion in young individuals, guiding them toward long-term commitment and growth within our business.
This year marks our foundational step into cookery education, with ambitious plans to expand and evolve.”
Buzzworks has recently achieved accreditation to deliver Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQ) in Professional Cookery, providing employees with theoretical knowledge and practical experience across their 19 venues.
Successful candidates will receive paid training while participating in hands-on learning guided by some of the industry’s most talented chefs.
Neil Clark, who joined Buzzworks from Six by Nico, brings over two decades of culinary expertise to the training centre. The centre’s accreditation aligns with the industry-leading Chef Program launched by Buzzworks earlier this month.
Holli emphasized the significance of in-house SVQ delivery: “Candidates can now learn and earn on the job without taking time out for college courses.
The training is fully covered and incorporated into their contracted weekly hours, with internal masterclasses providing hands-on, high-level cooking experiences alongside our skilled chefs.”
This SQA-accredited program welcomes individuals of all age groups, making it an ideal choice for those contemplating a career change or entering the hospitality industry.
Holli Gordon added, “The launch of this has been a significant accomplishment for us, and we have high hopes to expand on this in the future.
The Buzzworks Hoardings also encourage parents to recognize the potential for their children to attain a recognized qualification, ensuring a long-lasting career and development within our company.
To learn more about Buzzworks’ innovative training initiatives, visit their website at [www.belongatbuzzworks.com]
