The new Michael Caines Academy at Exeter College, in partnership with City & Guilds and Exeter College, will mix challenging practical and theoretical workshops with high profile experiences and masterclasses from leading chefs to promote excellence in hospitality and catering. Designed to nurture the future generation of talented UK restaurateurs, chefs and food service personnel, the selection process at the end of the June will see just 16 applicants, aged between 16 and 19 years, invited to join the Academy – eight front of house and eight chefs. They will then commence the two-year full-time course in September, and will be given the opportunity to work their way up the flagship City & Guilds Level 3 Diplomas in Advanced Professional Cookery or Food and Beverage Service Supervision. They will also take part in further full time courses beyond the initial two years, potentially leading to a Level 4 City & Guilds qualification. In year two, students can expect to enter industry competitions, visit leading trade shows and experience work in the country's leading hotels and restaurants including Gidleigh Park. A number of leading businesses are already involved but the Academy are proactively encouraging more to take part, as Michael Caines MBE explained: "Our hospitality industry and colleges have to work together to develop the right learning skills. The Academy is doing just this by working in partnership with some of the best restaurants, pubs, caterers and hotels within our region and beyond to develop our students and to provide them with long term employment via an apprenticeship or through direct placement. "We need to ensure that we continue to offer excellence in all we do if we are to maintain this important South West industry as a first choice for the consumer and as an employer alike. To achieve this we need to invest in our future, therefore our youth. Get involved!" Designing vocational qualifications delivered by colleges, training providers and employers, City & Guilds are working closely with Michael and Exeter College to develop the best combination of qualifications and units to underpin the Academy's training.