‘Forward with Marcus Wareing’ is a programme, which runs alongside a Level 4 Senior Culinary Chef or Level 5 Operations Departmental Manager apprenticeship standard, delivered in partnership with HIT Training. 

The apprenticeship aims to equip chefs with culinary skills and is brought to life through extracurricular enrichment activities, delivering practical experiences to the group.

Wareing said: “It is clear to see this programme is rich in learnings and experiences. It is a unique approach, that takes candidates to another level in their career - with a focus on being forward thinking and developing for the long term with sustainability at its heart.

“It has been an absolute pleasure to see our first cohort grow in terms of knowledge, skills, confidence and personally - I am looking forward to working closely with the second cohort, as we further enhance and tailor the course.”

Originally launching in August 2021, the first cohort celebrated their learnings to date late last year at the luxurious 5-star hotel, The Grove in Hertfordshire.

The 14-strong team created a 7-course menu, with sustainability at its core, taking learnings from the course to ‘wow’ guests and demonstrate their enhanced skills and cooking techniques. Inspiration came from foraging, preserving, plant-based influences and nose-to-tail cooking - to ensure minimal food waste and support sustainable practices.

Jonathon Foot, head of apprenticeships and early careers at Compass Group UK & Ireland, added: “Our culinary teams will be central to the success of delivering Climate Net Zero by 2030 - with 80% of our carbon footprint attributable to food - so the further development of our talent in this area is crucial. Therefore, we have continued to develop the programme and the sustainability work in particular.

“‘Forward with Marcus Wareing’ has exceeded all our expectations and the launch of our second cohort demonstrates the continued support and commitment by Compass to deliver this cutting-edge culinary training. I am very proud of what we have achieved and look forward to seeing the new group progress too.”