JKS Apprenticeship Academy set to return this year

The JKS Apprenticeship Academy is set to return after a successful launch in 2022, offering apprentices an opportunity to work across the full JKS portfolio, including Michelin stars and casual venues. 

The course will see apprentices split their time across 14 different JKS brands to learn a variety of skills, cuisines and dining styles. 

It offers access to restaurants including Trishna, Gymkhana, Brigadiers, Hoppers, Sabor, Kitchen Table, Lyle’s, Berenjak, BiBi, BAO, The Cadogan Arms, The George, Plaza and Speedboat Bar and their talented in-house teams.

Two programs available on the course:

• Front of House (FOH) Program – Level 2 Hospitality Team Member. Apprentices have the chance to experience all aspects of the restaurant floor, including food and beverage service and wines.
• Back of House (BOH) Program – Level 2 Commis Chef. Apprentices will have the chance to experience, consider & value each section within the kitchen.

Apprentices on both programs spend two months training at six venues across the business to “discover where their passion truly lies, whether that be at fast-paced Taiwanese BAO or two Michelin-starred Kitchen Table”.

The programs are made up of a mixture of on and off the job training, and the final two to three months are treated as an assessment, where apprentices present their newly-learned skills. Every 12 weeks, they meet with a training manager who mentors and guides them through the apprenticeship and end of year assessment. 

At the end of the program, successful apprentices are offered full time roles or move onto a higher level apprenticeship.

Last year, JKS hired 10 apprentices who filled Front of House and Back of House roles across the group, many of whom will be permanently placed in September. 

Sunaina Sethi, people director and co-founder at JKS Restaurants, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be launching applications for our second cohort of the JKS Apprenticeship Academy. Our first cohort has come on leaps and bounds and it has been a joy to see such incredible talent and energy develop in our restaurants. 

“They have been exposed to our diverse brands, allowing them exposure to different opportunities the hospitality industry has to offer. In turn, they have further bolstered our restaurants’ great sense of community, and we look forward to growing, learning and improving our program for future intakes.”

Issy Darby, chef apprentice from the 2022 Academy, added: “It was JKS’ excellent reputation that first attracted me to their scheme and their exciting program of two-month placements at different restaurants across the group that made it my top choice. 

“I loved the idea of trying out lots of different cuisines and styles of cooking. It was clear from the outset that they are truly invested in the personal and professional growth of their apprentices and high standards of staff wellbeing is a priority at all restaurants.”