Restaurant Associates’ first cohort of the Collaborate Programme crosses the finishing line

Restaurant Associates’ Collaborate Level 4 apprentices proudly celebrate the milestone of completing the programme as the very first cohort.

This unique apprenticeship programme brings together 12 chefs and 12 front-of-house colleagues, learning side by side. Their achievement is a significant moment that will inspire future colleagues to follow in their footsteps.

Over 18 months of dedicated learning alongside their full-time roles, the apprentices gained invaluable experiences - from working with Michel Roux and visiting suppliers to deepening their understanding of produce, to participating in plant-forward menu training.

Adolfo Azevedo who has been with Restaurant Associates for fifteen years and a member of the apprentice cohort, shares his reflections on the programme. “What I’ve gained most are the friendships and strong business partnerships with suppliers. I’m a much more effective Hospitality Manager - better at planning ahead and feel more connected to the chefs and culinary team. One highlight was the amazing experience of working with Michel Roux. I had the privilege of joining his team at Le Gavroche back in November 2023 before they closed and participated in the dinner service - it was truly a memorable day. Apprenticeship programmes like this create a strong bond between front-of-house and back-of-house teams.”

Sue Thompson, Director of Business Excellence at Restaurant Associates, takes immense pride in the apprentices' accomplishments. “We always knew the Collaborate Programme would be something special, and the apprentices have truly made it shine. Watching front-of-house and back-of-house teams learn together and build meaningful connections has been truly inspiring. This unique level of collaboration has shown just how essential teamwork is for delivering excellence across all hospitality settings.”

As champions of learning, Restaurant Associates currently supports over 50 apprentices across Levels 1 to 7 within the business, including 26 chefs and culinary staff. In addition to the Collaborate Programme, it nurtures growth through its Future Leaders Programme and the ‘Forward with Marcus Wareing’ programme.

Luke Ford, Delivery Manager for Skills & Early Careers at Compass Group UK & Ireland, who played a key role in the apprentices' journey, emphasises: “Learning and apprenticeships aren’t just for young people. We want everyone in the business to explore what we offer, feel valued in their role, and be inspired to develop their skills. The Collaborate Programme has been a tremendous success, and we're excited to see it continue evolving to meet the needs of both back-of-house and front-of-house teams.”