The demand from applicants has meant two cohorts have been chosen for the Forward Culinary Programme. Compass will also launch the inaugural Forward Service, a brand-new programme designed for front of house colleagues.

Following its launch in August 2021, over 38 senior chefs have graduated from Forward with Marcus Wareing, with a 82% retention and a 100% distinction rate among chefs who have completed their Senior Culinary Level 4 Apprenticeship.

At the 2025 Public Sector Catering Awards, the Forward with Marcus Wareing programme received the Training & Apprenticeship Award for teaching the next generation of chefs the all-important skills they’ll need to become tomorrow’s leaders and innovators.

Wareing said: “The Forward programme was designed to support senior culinary talent, taking them to the next level by offering a specific development pathway. I’m thrilled to see how successful this has been in the last four years, and I’m proud that so many brilliant chefs wanted to join this year.

“Every time I meet the new cohort, we evolve and grow the programme, as well as the people! It’s exciting to see such talent coming through, with such eagerness to develop further, and I’m looking forward to working with them.”

The fifth cohort recently launched in Devon, spending time with Marcus and beginning their Forward journey. The sixth cohort will follow a similar programme of activity and will begin later this year. The delivery model for both has been mapped to ensure mentoring, coaching and development time.

Jonathan Foot, director of skills & early careers at Compass Group UK & Ireland, added: “The talent and passion shown by this year’s applicants has been outstanding, with more people than ever stepping forward to take on the challenge.

“Working closely with Marcus and HIT Training, we decided to expand the programme so that even more of our colleagues could seize this opportunity to grow, develop, and thrive. At its heart, the Forward Programme is about people - giving them the confidence, skills, and support to realise their potential. As our business grows, we want to ensure our colleagues grow with it.”

Guided by Marcus Wareing and delivered in partnership with national hospitality training provider HIT Training, Forward with Marcus Wareing was specifically designed and launched to support senior culinary talent.

The apprenticeship equips chefs with exceptional culinary skills with a fundamental focus on subjects including sustainability, commerciality, and people. It is brought to life through added value enrichment activities, delivering practical experiences to the group.

Mark Belford, chef academy principal at HIT Training, commented: "Forward with Marcus Wareing has quickly become one of the most exciting apprenticeship programmes in UK hospitality. It combines outstanding skills development with unique enrichment experiences that extend far beyond the classroom.

“We’re proud to partner with Compass and Marcus in nurturing this new wave of talent, and it’s inspiring to see both the culinary and service strands of the programme continue to grow in impact and ambition."