The JCA, which is delivered in partnership with Brakes, is a ten-week course designed to teach children aged between 14 and 16 fundamental cookery skills and how to create dishes using a range of different foods. It culminates in a graduation event where students showcase their new skills to families and teachers.

Participants reported increased confidence in their abilities, increased pride in their cooking skills, improved ability to speak up in a group, enhanced relationship building capabilities and greater understanding of career options.

Parents/carers experienced pride in their child’s achievements and improved relationships with their children, while the chefs described enhanced job satisfaction, improved motivation and development of their leadership skills.

Jonathan Foot, director of skills & early careers at Compass Group UK & Ireland, said: “The Junior Chef Academy is an extremely impactful initiative, which forms a vital part of our Classroom to Careers strategy. It helps us to teach skills and inspire young people, connecting them to the hospitality industry, and showing them the exciting career opportunities it can offer.”