A NEW educational partnership has been launched by Blackburn College and the Northcote Group.

The two organisations have teamed up to prepare the next generation of restaurant staff through the new catering and hospitality educational programme.

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The Northcote and Ribble Valley restaurant group, owned by celebrity chef Nigel Haworth, will take students on the college’s new apprenticeships in professional cookery and hospitality through a bespoke training programme.

The apprenticeships will allow students to gain hands-on experience, while learning the skills needed to pursue a career in the restaurant business.

Mr Haworth will also be taking part in regular visits to the college, offering mentoring advice to students.

Mr Haworth said: “It is great to work with such a celebrated institution as Blackburn College.

“The calibre of apprentices they offer are of a very high standard, and the support we receive from the college is second to none.

“I hope our students will progress through the ranks at Northcote, or one of our Ribble Valley Inns.”

The educational partnership follows the launch of a scholarship programme with the Northcote Group of restaurants in August, aimed at improving skills and employability of students.

Full-time front-of-house and chef students in their third year can apply for the 12- month Nigel Haworth scholarship.

This leads to a certificate on successful completion, as well as fantastic mentoring opportunities, where students can develop their employability skills with links to industry.

The college’s business engagement manager Nick Hall said: “Being the preferred education partner of the Northcote Group is such an honour.

“To be working with one of the country’s most prestigious Michelin starred chefs and quality brand, offers students at Blackburn College the opportunity to aspire to the very highest standards and professional development.

“An innovative scholarship scheme and apprenticeship programme offer students numerous opportunities to work at the Northcote Group, and a traineeship programme is currently under development.

“This relationship is very exciting.

“It will help our students access real life work opportunities while meeting the skills required by Northcote.”