D&D London has just announce the continuation of its Summer School, a paid hospitality training programme, following the resounding success of its inaugural session earlier this month.
The Summer School aims to secure employment for people with little or no previous experience looking to enter the hospitality industry and is one of a number of initiatives D&D is implementing to attract staff, following a difficult recruitment period for the industry.
The second school will take place 3 August at D&D’s 100 Wardour Street.
Thirty-two of the 37 participants of the inaugural Summer School were offered roles in back of house, front of house and bar positions in D&D restaurants including Launceston Place, 100 Wardour Street and 14 Hills.
Feedback from participants has been incredibly positive, with such as learners Chris D. and Tas R. sharing, ‘I genuinely felt an effort had been made to make the week a success, it was easy to be enthusiastic about an employer that invests in its people’ and ‘The engagement of the team in general was impeccable. The inclusivity was also excellent! I’m so thankful for the staff at D&D who have been very welcoming.’
Speaking proudly at the graduation ceremony, COO of D&D London, David Loewi said, ‘Hospitality is all about people - the right people in the right place, building their skills and helping them to achieve their ambitions. Our new Summer School is working to deliver this!’
The week-long paid training programme will focus on three main aspects of restaurants: front of house, back of house and bar. The attendees will be divided into these groups and will be training for the roles of commis waiter, commis chef and bar-back.
For the Commis chef course attendees will train in food safety, basic knife skills, allergens and hygiene standards. They will learn classic cookery skills including pasta making, bread baking and how to prepare the perfect omelette. Trainees will enjoy on-site masterclasses from D&D chefs to gain an insight into working in a professional kitchen.
Participants in the Bar Course will learn the fundamentals of these roles as well as about the industry in general and will be trained by industry leaders. Some of the world’s leading drinks brands including Diageo, Asahi, Pernod-Ricard and Nyetimber will have ambassadors leading workshops. Those training as bar-backs will also learn the fundamentals of operating a bar, safety regulations as well as enjoying drinks masterclasses.
Learners on the Commis Waiters course will participate in sessions on providing excellent service, on understanding the importance of teamwork as well as in masterclasses given by senior D&D London servers. They will be provided an insight into the art of front of house as well as an appreciation for the role it plays in an overall restaurant experience.
The week will conclude with a graduation ceremony attended by D&D, i.e., Des Gunewardena and David Loewi. Successful participants will secure employment in one of D&D’s restaurants.