20.09.06
Fifteen Cornwall starts hunt for 2007 trainees

Young people living in Cornwall between the ages of 16 – 24, not working and out of education are being invited to apply for a once in a lifetime training opportunity as Fifteen Cornwall, the South West's most talked about new restaurant, starts recruitment for their 2007 intake of trainee chefs.

The search is on to find up to 30 trainees and reserves that have a passion for food and are up for the challenge of training and working in a professional kitchen.

Fifteen Cornwall's 18-month training programme combines time spent at Cornwall College, work placements at some of Cornwall's top restaurants, produce sourcing trips and of course cooking at Fifteen Cornwall under the guidance of a team of talented professional chefs.

In addition to the learning opportunities and greater employment prospects, the trainees of Fifteen Cornwall will be offered support to address whatever their personal problems might be that have previously held them back. This could include getting over an addiction, finding accommodation, assistance with childcare, transport or getting counselling.

The support from the Foundation doesn't stop when the trainees graduate from the Fifteen Cornwall kitchen at Watergate Bay; once part of the Fifteen 'family' they will receive support if needed throughout their careers.

Straightforward and quick to complete application forms are available from today from Jobcentre plus on 01872 335515 whose staff can help individuals to complete an application if needed. Forms can also be completed online at: www.fifteencornwall.co.uk. The closing date for applications is Friday 17th November.

Those fitting the bill will be asked to attend a face-to-face interview at the Fifteen Cornwall open day at Cornwall College in early December where they'll be able to find out about the training programme and meet some of this year's intake of trainees who'll give them the low-down on what it's like to work at Fifteen Cornwall.

After further stages of short listing, up to 30 new trainees and reserves will be offered places on the 2007 intake. In January the new students will start a full time 3-month course at Cornwall College, which has been tailor-made for Fifteen Cornwall, to set the trainees up with the basic practical skills needed to work in a professional kitchen. The next intake of trainees will start in the Fifteen Cornwall kitchen in May 2007 when they'll take the places of the graduating group of students.

Fifteen Cornwall Foundation Director, Mark Scothern is hoping that that recruitment drive for the 2007 intake of trainees will be as successful as it was last year in attracting eligible candidates: "Our first intake of trainees are a fantastic bunch of young people. I'm really impressed with the way that they've all progressed personally and professionally. They are using their opportunity at Fifteen Cornwall to get valuable skills and boost the quality of their lives.

"We're once again talking with a broad range of agencies to encourage referrals from individuals with the greatest need for a fresh start. We want to hear from any young person who meets the eligibility criteria. The launch of the recruitment drive today is really a call to get young people to apply for the chance that can transform their lives."

Reflecting on his experience of being a Fifteen Cornwall trainee, Asa Davidson, 19, from Newquay said: "The Fifteen Cornwall programme has definitely given me an opportunity that I never would have had. As well as giving me the skills, experience and support that I need to make it as a chef, I have now got so much more confidence, motivation and ambition.

"After Fifteen Cornwall I want to spend time travelling and gaining more experience before making Cornwall my base. I want to run my own restaurant here and eventually I would like to be able to give something back to Cornwall in the same way Jamie Oliver has done with Fifteen."

Fellow trainee Lee Hodge said: "Fifteen Cornwall has helped me get my life on track and given me specific direction and I'm proud to be a part of the first intake of trainees. Working in a busy kitchen isn't easy, but I am learning so much everyday. The experience is amazing and I wouldn't change it for the world. I realise I've been given a unique opportunity to make something of my life through Fifteen Cornwall and I am not going to waste it.

"I would recommend anybody who fits the programme criteria to apply because you won't get the chance again, and for me, it has been the best thing that I have ever done."

In order to reach young people facing the greatest disadvantages brought about by the decline of Cornwall's traditional industries of mining, agriculture and fishing, recruitment will be targeted towards 18 areas within Cornwall which have previously been identified by Objective One as deprived wards requiring targeted regeneration activity.

For further information please contact Laura Tregonning of Deborah Clark and Associates Ltd on 01872 276276 or email laura@dclark.co.uk.

The Objective One Programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has invested in Fifteen Cornwall through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and via the Jobcentre Plus co-financing with European Social Fund (ESF).

Editor's notes:

Targeted wards for recruitment - The 18 wards are the Gannel ward of Newquay, Bodmin St Mary's and St Petroc, Camborne North, South & West, Illogan North & South, Launceston, the Mount Charles ward of St Austell, Penryn and the Penwerris ward of Falmouth. Applications will also be considered from applicants living in other areas of Cornwall providing that they meet the criteria.

Fifteen Cornwall opened on 18th May 2006 with an innovative menu of the best seasonal and local produce, a relaxed atmosphere, talented chefs and an incredible view over a beautiful two-mile beach.

The restaurant is dedicated to the same inspirational social enterprise goals as set out by Jamie Oliver and his team at Fifteen London. The restaurant is giving 18 trainee chefs the once in a lifetime opportunity to turn their lives around during its first intake of students.

All profits from Fifteen Cornwall go to the Cornwall Foundation of Promise, whose purpose is the creation of fantastic career opportunities for disadvantaged local young people, helping them every step of the way to achieve their potential. The restaurant also provides a valuable boost to Cornwall's tourism industry and makes use of the abundance of high quality local food producers in the region.

The project has received more than £1 million from Objective One and the South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA), with additional support from Jobcentre Plus, the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), Cornwall College, Cornwall County Council, Restormel Borough Council, St Austell Brewery, HSBC Bank, Barclays Bank and The Hotel and Extreme Academy, Watergate Bay.

For Fifteen Cornwall reservations and menu information visit www.fifteencornwall.co.uk or call 01637 861000 (lines open between 9.30am and 8.30pm seven days a week).

Clare Morgan
Media Relations Manager
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mobile: 07973 813647
Telephone: 01872 223439

cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk

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