About our Apprenticeship Programme
Since 2013 we have run a successful chef apprenticeship programme in collaboration with Belfast Met. The year-long programme is open to 16-24-year-olds and combines on-the-job training with two days of attendance at the Belfast Metropolitan College to gain professional qualifications. Working with the Belfast Met, we train our apprentices to NVQ level 2, which will give you an excellent grounding on the skills and requirements for a career in the hospitality sector.
Throughout the years, we have trained some fantastic chefs who are still with us today. Our Junior Sous Chef, Dylan, started with us a few years ago as a chef apprentice. From the beginning, Niall and the team could see his potential. He was and still to this day is hungry for success in hospitality. After years of grafting, Dylan was made our junior sous chef under the direction of executive head chef Ryan Stringer. Dylan is an excellent example of what this programme can do for young people.
Chef proprietor Niall McKenna is heavily involved in the programme and has a lot of passion and time for teaching and developing the future of hospitality.
"This is a unique opportunity to develop skills in one of Northern Ireland's fastest-growing industries. Successful applicants will receive ongoing training through weekly workshops in our Cookery School and regular activities to ensure a greater appreciation of food, such as meeting producers and others on the supply chain. This is geared for aspiring chefs who have the determination to succeed, learning from leaders in the industry and cooking with local produce to create the dining experience that James St is famous for."
This year's apprentices Abbi, Ceri, Matthew and Lorcan are doing great and enjoying their time in our James St & Waterman kitchens.
Is this something you would be interested in? To learn more, drop us an email at hello@waterman.house - To apply, download the application form here or call us at 028 9560 0701 .