The awards, which honour businesses and individuals who truly champion talent, leadership and workforce development, take place at a gala dinner on 29 April 2014, hosted by the Rt Hon Michael Portillo.
Lexington has been shortlisted in two categories, ‘Excellence in Youth Engagement’ and ‘Apprentice of the Year’ where Lexington is being represented by Lex School of Talent apprentice, Louise Roberts. Louise, now in her third and final year of the apprenticeship programme, is also a Springboard Ambassador who shares her experience as an apprentice and spreads the word about the varied and real opportunities for other young people interested in a career in catering and hospitality.
Lexington’s longstanding success with their Management Graduate Training Scheme and more recently the Lex School of Talent apprenticeship programme has supported Lexington’s shortlist in the ‘Excellence in Youth Engagement’ category.
The graduate scheme is now entering its 10th year and offers excellent first hand opportunities for young, ambitious graduates (from any discipline) who are passionate about a management career in contract catering. The Lex School of Talent programme was pioneered by Chef Director, Robert Kirby, and CEO Mike Sunley, who recognised a gap in the market for school leavers. This scheme has been developed in collaboration with Springboard and the University of West London.
This is a comprehensive programme that includes:
• Paid employment working across Lexington sites
• Achieving NVQ qualifications
• Mentoring and support from Lexington chefs, managers and directors
• On-the-job training
• Guaranteed job with Lexington at the end of the apprenticeship
A key goal for the Lex School of Talent is to develop a pipeline for Lexington-trained junior chef who will develop their career and skills with Lexington.
To be shortlisted for these prestigious awards highlights Lexington’s commitment to engaging with young people and nurturing new talent. Whilst this is driven from the very top it is very much considered a company-wide activity with everyone across the business playing their part to make this happen.
