Celebrity chef Raymond Blanc inspires Ayrshire school pupils into hospitality
King's Foundation ambassador Raymond Blanc spoke to school pupils at a hospitality careers event at Dumfries House yesterday, Tuesday, June 10
School pupils from Ayrshire were encouraged to pursue a career in the hospitality industry by Michelin Star chef Raymond Blanc.
In his role as an ambassador for The King's Foundation, the celebrity chef gave a talk to secondary school pupils at a hospitality careers fair at Dumfries House on Tuesday, June 10.
After an intriguing and inspiring talk about his career and his ambitions, the more than 250 pupils from 16 schools across the South West of Scotland were given the opportunity to grill Raymond in a Q and A session.
Speaking to Ayrshire Live, Raymond said he was keen to see the industry become more welcoming for new entrants.
He said: "I have always been engaged in teaching and growing young people. My restaurant, Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons, is a nursery of young talent.
"We grow young people in an environment which is safe, caring, supportive and well structured. We have proper interviews, proper inductions and proper training.
"We position people to find what they want to do with their life.
"I am here to teach and to pass on my knowledge. That is the vision of Le Manoir which everyone owns. It is not my vision, the whole team owns the vision and beautiful things start to happen.
"I am an ambassador for the The King's Foundation and I have supported King Charles for many years in his pursuit to have an impact on farming, on all the issues of sustainability and to create an environment which is safer and better where we can change the teaching of food.
"At their age, I had no idea what I wanted to do. I started off as a cleaner before becoming the best dishwasher and glass cleaner.
"It's so important that young people are encouraged and supported to work in the hospitality industry as there's an enormous opportunity there for those willing to work hard."
Pupils from Ardrossan Academy, Auchinharvey Academy in Stevenston, St Andrew's and St Bride's High School in East Kilbride, Gleniffer High School in Paisley, Castle Douglas High School, St Matthew's Academy in Saltcoats, Marr College in Troon, Blemont Academy and Kyle Academy in Ayr, YipWorld and Robert Burns Academy in Cumnock, Closeburn House School, Greenwood Academy in Irvine, St Margaret's Academy in Livingston, Doon Academy in Dalmellington, Dumfries Academy, St Paul's High School and Castlemilk High School in Glasgow and Park School in Kilmarnock all attended the event.
A number of industry experts were on hand to meet with and talk to pupils as well as representatives from Ayrshire College, City of Glasgow College and the Royal Navy to offer insights into different types of hospitality career.
Dumfries House's own hospitality teams also spoke about the work they do and the training courses offered by The King's Foundation.
Raymond added: "The King's Foundation has managed to work with the local community which, we know, has lots of unemployment and lots of poverty, trying to give kids an opportunity.
"There are 11,000 young people who pass by this house which gives a chance to this child or young person to find out 'Yes, I want to be a carpenter' or 'Yes, I want to be a scientist' or 'Yes, I want to be a cook'.
"That is a huge lift for this community. It is so important because the first thing a business must do is immediately to connect with its own community and be involved in all aspects.
"That is what King Charles has done."
Livia Alexander, hospitality education manager for The King's Foundation, said: "The hospitality industry continues to face challenges in terms of recruitment and retention, and events like this are so important as they show young people what the industry is really like, and give them an insight into the careers available.
"Having Raymond Blanc come and talk to the pupils was an amazing opportunity for them. His story is so incredible and the pupils left feeling inspired and motivated.'
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