The 18-month programme aims to enhance culinary skills, introduce leadership fundamentals and foster commercial and sustainability awareness, resulting in a SVQL7 Hospitality Supervision and Leadership Modern Apprenticeship in partnership with City of Glasgow College.

The first cohort consists of nine ambitious chefs from across Compass Scotland:

• Artur Tarsia - ESS
• Craig Stafford - Levy
• David Park - B&I
• James Young - Levy
• Jennifer Marshall - Restaurant Associates Group
• Mark Burrows - Levy
• Ray Brown - ESS
• Ross Mclaren - CH&Co
• Salvatore Notaro – Chartwells

This group of chefs will gain expert mentorship and training on the issues and ideas that will shape the future of the hospitality industry, along with exclusive workshops and guidance from McLaughlin.

All of the chefs were nominated for the programme by their mangers, before undertaking a rigorous assessment and selection process, with a mix of practical, group discussion and individual presentation sessions.

Jonathan Foot, director of skills and early careers at Compass Group UK & Ireland, said: “We’re excited to announce our very first Compass Scotland Elevate cohort, and I’m thrilled to say we’ve got a fantastic group of talented, ambitious and passionate chefs who are all raring to get started.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our future culinary leaders, with the added bonus of learning from one of Scotland’s most decorated and well-respected chefs. Stevie is an incredible mentor and I’m looking forward to seeing how he coaches and mentors the development of these chefs further.”