Caterer and Hotelkeeper – 6421

UNTAPPED FUNDING

Money for staff training is literally waiting to be claimed. The problem isthat the grants areavailable through TECs (Training and Enterprise Councils), whose labyrinthine bureaucracy has defeated many a potential claimant.

Specialist training company Scher Training offers to help with thenitty-gritty of grant applications - and the service is free, according to managing director Alan Wick.

TECs typically fund up to half the cost of eligible training programmes and sometimes more. Scher has secured hundreds of thousands of pounds for clients, and has helped even large hotel groups deal with TECs.

Mr Wick explained that to identify what training is needed a consultant randomly interviews management and staff at all levels and conducts a survey of all employees. The company then handles all the grant applications.

However, Mr Wick added that some TECs were more flexible than others. "It's worth persisting. Continue to communicate and get over that barrier because there is a lot of money and the Government wants to help."

college places

Highbury College, Portsmouth, is offering an Advanced Culinary Arts certificate, equivalent to NVQ Level 3. Students of exceptional ability will be attached to a leadinghotel or restaurantkitchen.

Placements have included the Lanesborough, Savoy, Meridien and Connaught hotels and the Greenhouse restaurant in London and Chewton Glen and Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons. The course is run in conjunction with the Lanesborough hotel and is recognised by the Association Culinaire Franáaise.