STUDENTS will take their first steps in a catering and hospitality career through a new cookery school which is run in partnership with a hotel.

A group of 16 students, aged between 16 and 19, will be given the opportunity to train at The Canteen and The Cookery School, based in Cheapside, Bradford, which is run by training group Aspire-igen and the Midland Hotel, which stands opposite.

The Cookery School will encourage young people into the catering and hospitality industry through combining qualifications with practical training sessions in a real-life work environment.

They will develop the skills needed to progress in the industry, before putting the same skills into practice preparing food and serving customers in cafe.

They will also help to cater for meetings and events held in Aspire-igen’s event space, for business lunches and the public, as well as providing free lunches for students attending other training courses.

The Midland Hotel has been involved with the project from the start, including selecting the qualification and the units the students will do as part of their course.

Joe Grant, catering and hospitality manager for the project, who will be mentoring the students on the course, said: “I wanted to help people. The catering industry is always looking for people.

“I wanted to give something back and develop the next generation. I wanted to help bring them through.

“It is a hands-on job, you are always on your feet.”

The scheme, which was officially opened yesterday, was established in recognition of the growing skills gap in the region.

Employers are already showing their support with offers of work experience, further training and career talks.

Gary Peacock, the Midland Hotel’s general manager, said: “We will offer work experience across the road at the hotel and our staff will come in and guide them.

“I’m delighted Aspire-igen came to me nine months ago with a fantastic idea that has come to fruition today.

“Hopefully I will come across young people from this city who can go on to great things in the future.”

The project has also attracted interest from the five-star Grand Hotel in York, which will also look to offer students opportunities for work experience, training and career talks.

Earlier this year Aspire-igen moved its headquarters to the former Commerce House in Cheapside, opposite Forster Square Station.

The previous business based in the unit, Cafe Intouch, has re-located to a larger unit in Cheapside.

The Canteen is open from 7.30am and 2.30pm on weekdays.