The high road to success

The first five industry-ready graduates in an innovative and unique chefing programme, 'Quick to the Cut', graduated from this exciting course on Tuesday 0th June at Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort.

Until just 12 weeks ago each recruit had been unemployed for at least 6 months. They have experienced training and development across 4 different kitchens at Aviemore Highland Resort, been formally assessed and achieved an SVQ level 2 in Food Preparation and been guaranteed an interview with Macdonald Hotels.

This course was designed as a response to the high number of chef vacancies across the Highlands & Islands and Scotland as a whole.

The programme has already been recognised for its innovative practices by being Highly Commended by the judging panel of the Highland Diversity Awards and being put forward to the Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) as a model of best practice.

The first intensive programme of its kind in the country, Quick to the Cut has clearly demonstrated that it is possible to achieve a level 2 qualification, gain practical experience and be industry ready in just twelve weeks.

The Quick to the Cut model is the result of collaborative working between Springboard Scotland, Centre for Applied Tourism and Hospitality Management (CATHM) and The Highland Employer Coalition. The European Social Fund, Highland Employer Coalition and the Department for Work and Pensions funded the programme.

Roisin Taylor, Highlands & Islands Operations Manager from Springboard Scotland said: “The development, partnership approach and implementation of this programme has been extremely exciting. It is fantastic to see that the programme is receiving a lot of positive comments and hopefully the programme graduates will have successful careers in the industry as chefs”.

Dr. Craig Thompson, Managing Director of Centre of Applied Tourism and Hospitality Management based at Aviemore Highland Resort said, "We are absolutely delighted with the success of the inaugural Quick to the Cut programme. Macdonald Hotels is committed to the development of people through training and the enthusiasm and determination to learn and succeed demonstrated by the students has been inspiring. I would also like to thank our own in-house catering team for embracing what has been a very successful course.

"By providing this scheme at the Resort we can ensure trainees receive proper training within a quality hospitality environment, enabling them to secure recognised qualifications and apply the skills they have learnt when going for jobs in the area."

The second cohort of candidates will start the course on the 22nd September 2008.