Buzzworks launches in-house SQA training centre
Successful applicants will benefit from paid training education while taking part in practical learning on the job from one of the chef trainers in the business
Buzzworks Holdings has launched its own in-house Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) accredited training centre, to train the next generation of hospitality professionals.
The new training centre will be led by the company’s learning and development manager, Holli Gordon, supported by chef Trainer, Neil Clark, and bar trainer, Gavin Goslan, to offer aspiring employees “valuable” learning experiences to develop their skills and careers within hospitality.
The training centre will offer a blend of training and development opportunities from culinary masterclasses to service excellence, leadership development and hosting bespoke brand training. Gordon, who has been an integral part of the Buzzworks operational team for nine years, has “big ambitions” for the training centre.
Buzzworks has recently also become accredited to deliver Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQ) in Professional Cookery for employees while gaining invaluable hands-on experience across their portfolio of 19 venues. Successful applicants will benefit from paid training education while taking part in practical learning on the job from one of the chef trainers in the business.
Clark, who resides in Troon, joined Buzzworks from Six by Nico last year, having worked in some of the country’s “top” kitchens for over 20 years in a number of head chef and operational roles including Braehead Foods, Edenmill Farm and La Vallee Blanche. The training centre accreditation will run alongside Buzzwork’s Chef Program, launched earlier this month.
Buzzworks said that the training centre, based at their head office in Kilmarnock, which has been operating since September, marks a “significant milestone in the company’s commitment to nurturing talent and setting new standards in the hospitality industry”.
With a primary focus on addressing the prevailing skill shortage in the culinary field, Buzzworks envisions “easy diversification” of the programme in the future. Designed to be flexible, it will allow candidates to progress at their own pace, even during off-peak times, potentially expediting their journey compared to traditional college courses.
Gordon said: “Our aim is to ignite a passion in young individuals, guiding them towards long-term commitment and growth within our business. This year marks our foundational step into cookery education, with ambitious plans to expand and evolve in the future.”
“We’re delighted to now have the authority to deliver SVQs in practical cookery in-house. This means we can assess and verify qualifications at any stage of the process, and our training team is able to verify all of our own candidates, ensuring they have all the right skills and knowledge to be able to do their job to the best of their ability.
She added: “Candidates can now learn and earn on the job, without taking time out for college courses. The training is fully covered and incorporated into their contracted hours for the week and will incorporate internal masterclasses, providing a hands-on, high level of cooking where they can create dishes from scratch alongside our talented chefs.”