Lexington Urge Other Businesses to Consider Apprenticeships

Lexington highlight the value that apprentices can bring to business as one of Lexington’s very first apprentices, Louise Roberts, scoops her third award this year at the prestigious Craft Guild of Chefs Awards.

Lexington’s apprenticeship scheme, Lex School of Talent, was set up in 2011, in conjunction with Springboard and The University of West London. It has seen four apprentices join the business each year – not only are they learning skills and gaining new qualifications but they are adding real value to the business.

Mike Sunley, Chief Executive at Lexington says, “It is fantastic to see the Lex School of Talent apprenticeship scheme producing such talented professionals and the industry is recognising apprentices, like Louise Roberts, for their achievements.

We have seen, first hand, the benefits apprenticeship programmes can bring to both the people we take on but also to the business. They are a fantastic way for people to learn on the job and progress through an organisation. I urge other businesses to consider introducing an apprenticeship programme into their workplace.

As business leaders it is our responsibility to help young people into the workplace and apprenticeship programmes are a great place to start. All it takes is a little planning and organising, plus a small investment. Yet it has the power to add value to business and change lives.”

About Lexington’s Apprenticeship Programme Murray Tapiki, Development Chef at Lexington, has been the driving force behind the Lex School of Talent, making it the success it is today.

Mike says, “Murray has made sure the programme supports the business, in terms of developing people with the right skills. But he has also made sure it is fun and it is recognised by the wider industry – it provides a great foundation from which our apprentices can build their future career. It is this that ensures our apprentices are very driven to make things happen.”

Lex School of Talent has been running for four years now and the business has taken on 16 apprentices to date. It provides a great opportunity for young chefs new to the industry to work within one of London’s Top 100 businesses whilst gaining valuable NVQ Level 1 and Level 2 qualifications.

The paid placement gives young chefs the opportunity to gain valuable experience of working within the Business and Industry environment with the benefit of a strong, supportive framework under which to train. The scheme also guarantees future employment with Lexington upon completion of the apprenticeship.