Conran launches chef school

Sir Terence Conran used the launch of the Modern Apprenticeship scheme to unveil details of a project to set up a new training school for chefs on a site close to his Gastrodrome in London's Docklands.

The Butler's Wharf Chef School, which will have a working restaurant, is a partnership with the London Docklands Development Corporation, which is fitting out the school, and Southwark Council, which is providing rent-free premises.

Six-month masterchef courses have been devised with the aid of the HCTC, and Conran Restaurants is offering bursaries for 20 trainees to go on the first course this September. Up to 200 places will be available for day-release training for chefs already working.

"The idea for this school came about because our own ambitions for expansion are being seriously affected by skills shortages," Sir Terence explained. "The style of our food has made our restaurants popular but it is increasingly difficult to find chefs in the UK capable of these cooking techniques," he added.

Sir Terence said he was anxious the school should get the backing of other restaurateurs and hoped they would join him in offering more bursaries. "I don't want this to be seen as a Conran school," he said.