Simon Rogan, the chef behind the two-Michelin-starred L’Enclume, is launching a new culinary academy. In collaboration with Kendall Collgege, the academy will turn aspiring young students into star chefs through apprenticeships.

The Simon Rogan Academy is recruiting its first cohort of students. Initially, up to 14 student places are available for those aged 16 years and above and who are residents in the UK. The 18-month course will conclude after a one-week internship at the Michelin-starred Roganic in Hong Kong.

Saying that he took this step to fill the skills gap in the industry, Simon Rogan said, “I want to show people that choosing a career in hospitality is an exciting prospect, one that can literally take them anywhere in the world. It’s an incredibly rewarding industry, day in, day out you are surrounded by people who are passionate and creative in everything they do. Hopefully, the academy will play a small part in encouraging more people to consider a career in the sector.” During the course, students will undergo paid work across Rogan’s Lake District restaurant kitchens and farm for four days a week, and one day a week attend private training session at Kendall College.