The project will see the RACA and its members reach out to colleges across the country with a plan and funding to connect more college students to the hospitality industry. The programme will commence in May 2024.

The RACA is a professional membership association of head chefs, head pastry chefs, restaurant managers and associates providing education, inspiration and aspiration through a variety of channels. The programme will include regional personal development sessions, focusing on soft skills such as asking the right questions, preparing for interviews, listening skills and feedback.

Lisa Jenkins, chief executive of RACA, said: “The RACA College Community Programme will provide a greater number of college students with the opportunity to learn additional skills to those taught whilst studying by connecting them to RACA academicians and operators and a network of industry contacts. Increasing the prospect of job opportunities and mentorship.

“This age group are the industry’s direct target audience and will be our priority alongside supporting other organisations and charities such as Adopt A School and Springboard to deliver their programmes in schools.

“The RACA College Community Programme will allow better connection with students looking for opportunities across both front and back of house and the industry needs to be vocal with the exciting opportunities. These can be communicated at the presentations and site visits – amplifying the variety and number of vacancies that are available to support the operators’ recruitment process.”