HUMAN RESOURCES: Apprentices Fill Void in the Kitchen
by go2

By instituting apprenticeships, pubs are finding a way to combat BC’s skilled labour shortage while helping to educate and inspire the next generation of chefs. 

As the tug of war for skilled labourers continues to intensify, many restaurants and pubs are grappling for cooks, unable to compete with deep-pocketed industries like oil and construction. But it’s not all bad news. The Longwood Brew Pub, located in Nanaimo, is one example of an enterprising organization that has risen to the challenge by instituting an apprenticeship program. 

While owner Barry Ladell concedes there is an industry-wide shortage of qualified cooks, he says that the Longwood’s apprenticeship program is a keystone in the pub’s successful staff attraction and retention strategy. Ladell, who has been operating the Longwood for almost eight years, says he implemented the apprenticeship program from day one, thereby increasing staff retention.

“I support [the apprentice’s] time in school, help with the paper trail that accompanies their schooling, and guarantee them employment as they work to achieve their Red Seal. From an employer’s standpoint I know how long I will retain each of these apprentices,” says Ladell, who notes that apprenticeships make sense both pragmatically and creatively. 

“People that are in a learning scenario are usually looking for avenues to express their creative flair. We give them the opportunity to do this within a supervised environment and they’re able to tap into their passion,” explains Ladell. And this creativity has manifested itself in a menu that boasts an array of selections beyond what you might expect at your typical neighbourhood pub. 

Ladell explains that the nature of learning to become a chef involves incorporating cooking styles from all over the world. “We constantly challenge our apprentices to come up with new recipe ideas daily, whether it’s a sandwich for the lunch special or an entrée feature for dinner’s fresh sheet,” he says. Patrons appreciate knowing that their food is prepared by a certified Red Seal Chef, and word has quickly spread about the pub’s superior quality food.
“Our contact with the chef’s training program at the local college has helped spread the word amongst the up-and-coming cooks that there is a pub within their region that supports their skills. The instructors are quick to use us as an example of an establishment that offers a stable future in their chosen field,” explains Ladell, who is obviously proud of the way the apprenticeship program has boosted the pub’s reputation.

Longwood’s good reputation extends beyond members of the broader community into the heart of the establishment - the kitchen. 

Ladell credits his apprenticeship program with fuelling a team spirit among his kitchen staff by helping to attract a core of Red Seal Chefs who enjoy sharing their knowledge with industry newcomers. “My senior chefs each have two apprentices and they take pride in the knowledge that we are making a difference in this industry by turning out qualified and experienced chefs who will take their passion into the workplace and hopefully pass it on to other young apprentices.”

When asked if he would recommend apprenticeships to other pubs struggling to attract cooks, Ladell emphasizes that due diligence is an essential part of any retention strategy, including implementing apprenticeships. While there are challenges, like ensuring that there are an adequate number of cooks to cover shifts while apprentices are away fulfilling their schooling obligations, he asserts that the extra effort is worthwhile.

“It’s a win-win scenario. We, the employer, benefit from the skill, passion, and stability of our apprentices, while the apprentice has a venue to achieve his or her personal goal of becoming a chef. The industry, as a whole, is perpetuated and benefits from an increased workforce of talented and proven chefs.”

Suzanne Westover is writing for go2 - The resource for people in tourism. For more information on using human resources to improve your business’ bottom line, visit www.go2hr.ca.