Nurturing the Next Generation of Aspiring Young Chefs

The Geoffrey Harrison Foundation, established in 2012, are proud to sponsor the continued and successful growth of The Young Chefs’ Academies at the University of West London (2012), Westminster Kingsway College (2012), Lakefield Hospitality College (2019) and Loughborough College (2020).

The Geoffrey Harrison Foundation offers children within our communities’ additional opportunities to pursue their passion, whilst promoting early awareness of the hospitality industry and its’ many benefits. By increasing levels of engagement and awareness within schools, the Foundation is a great platform to support the recent UKHospitality 12-step plan to promote jobs within the industry.

At Harrison, we understand the importance and value of our CSR activity. Our ambition is to increase industry awareness, knowledge and understanding within aspiring young chefs and advance their culinary skills to provide them with valuable life skills and prepare them for a very rewarding, creative and successful career in hospitality.

The Young Chefs’ Academy is a fun and stimulating course which enables students to gain valuable insight, working within a professional kitchen before committing to a full-time college course. The courses are typically open to year 9, 10 and 11 pupils and provide students with practical workshops, specialising in food preparation, cooking, presentation, hygiene, safety, team work, organisational skills and food service techniques.

After completing the courses, many of the students’ progress onto full time catering courses when they leave school, an incredible achievement and a great testament to the students for their continued hard work and dedication.

To date, The Geoffrey Harrison Foundation has funded over £408,000 to the establishments to support over 1,381 aspiring young chefs and we are excited to welcome the next generation of creative chefs, who will become powerful advocates for the preparation of fresh, quality food within the industry.

If you would like to find out more about the Geoffrey Harrison Foundation, please visit www.geoffreyharrisonfoundation.org.uk