Leith's school teams up with portfolio

Leith's School of Food and Wine in London has set up a partnership with recruitment consultancy Portfolio International to find jobs for its students.

Principal Caroline Waldegrave said that as many as half of those taking diploma courses at the school wanted to cook professionally, but many also had managerial skills from previous careers.

She said it made sense to link up with a recruitment consultancy capable of placing students in positions where there would be opportunities to gain responsibility.

Chris Sheppardson, associate director at Portfolio, said: "Leith's students are looking to go into the industry and need advice, while we need good young people for our clients."

He said the company would offer candidates a wide range of advice on career opportunities in the industry, particularly in areas such as executive dining. Companies including CCG, High Table and BET are scheduled to visit the school on 24 May to talk to students.