The Chefs’ Forum Helps Launch New Rick Stein Academy in Cornwall

The Chefs’ Forum has helped to launch a prestigious new catering academy in Cornwall.

The Rick Stein Group has joined forced with Truro and Penwith College to create The Rick Stein Academy. The launch of the Academy comes after seven years of successful partnership between The Rick Stein Group and Truro and Penwith College, during which more than. 60 apprentices have benefited from the experience of working with the group. The new Academy will build on this work to inspire, train and develop hospitality professionals in Cornwall.

The Chefs’ Forum was approached by the College to assist with the launch because of its expertise and extensive network of connections. The Chefs’ Forum will be spreading the news about this new gastronomic co-alliance to not only some 200 local hospitality employers, but to all its members across the country.

It is not the first time The Chefs’ Forum has been involved in such an initiative.

In 2012 the prolific industry organisation helped with the launch of Academy Nathan Outlaw – a partnership between the acclaimed chef and Cornwall College.

Catherine Farinha, Founder of The Chefs’ Forum stated:
“It was a real honour to be asked to collaborate with the College on the launch of the Rick Stein Academy. To be linked to such a famous chef and restaurant group will carry real weight for graduate learners going into the industry. Students at Truro & Penwith College always demonstrate great aptitude in showcasing their skills at our quarterly chef networking events in Cornwall; this partnership will build on their excellent skill sets, making them even more work-ready.

“The launch of this Academy, alongside the existing Academy Nathan Outlaw, really cements Cornwall’s reputation as a foodie stronghold.”

The Rick Stein Academy will work with young people through school activities, careers events and work experience to inspire and encourage them to develop a career in hospitality. The Academy will also train full time students at Truro and Penwith College as well as apprentices with The Rick Stein Group, developing their knowledge and skills with supplier visits, masterclasses and placements. The partnership will also support individuals to explore employment and further training and progression opportunities with The Rick Stein Group and the college.

Rick Stein explains: “There is no substitute for learning whist working as you quickly develop the skills you need to progress in this fast paced industry. We’re proud to support this Academy and work with those who are passionate about great food and making people smile.”

Launched at Truro College’s Spires restaurant on Monday September 28, the day featured a cookery masterclass by Jack Stein, as well as demonstrations and talks from other Stein chefs including Rick’s son, Jack Stein, Nick Evans, Head Chef at St Petroc’s Bistro and Stuart Pate, Head Pastry Chef. The event also included a fish filleting competition led by local fish supplier Sandy Muir of Flying Fish where Level 2 student Anirut Khwanyuen (Noom) won a fantastic set of three Global 30th Anniversary knives as first prize for perfectly filleting a Megrim Sole. Both the knives and the fish were kindly donated by the market-leading Chefs’ Forum sponsors. Noom has worked extensively in Thai restaurants but now wants to focus on British Cuisine.

There were also networking opportunities and the chance to try stunning canapés cooked by students of The Rick Stein Academy.

Tamsyn Harris, Head of Truro and Penwith College Business, said: “The partnership with The Rick Stein Group means as a college we are providing the best possible training and opportunities for the future talent within the hospitality sector, guided and influenced by their expertise. The partnership has benefitted the training of many people of the last 7 years and The Rick Stein Academy will further this opportunity and the development of skills here in Cornwall”.

Since opening The Seafood Restaurant in Padstow back in 1975, Rick and Jill Stein have grown the business to include ten restaurants, boutique bedrooms, foodie shops and a cookery school – all supported by over 450 passionate people. Investing in The Rick Stein Academy will allow the team to nurture high calibre hospitality professionals to support the continued growth of the business.

Photography by Andrew Plant: www.andrewplantphotography.com