SUFFOLK-based hotel group TA Hotel Collection has announced the launch of a new chef training academy, in a move designed to find its next generation of chefs through the provision of work-based learning.

The TA Hotel Collection Training Academy, which will begin its first intake of apprentices shortly, has been developed in partnership with Babcock Training.

The 12 month course will lead to a professional cookery qualification with the ultimate aim to grow talented and trained chefs to work at one of the group’s five hotel kitchens.

TA Hotel Collection, previously known as Thorpeness & Aldeburgh Hotels, owns and runs the Brudenell Hotel and the White Lion Hotel, both in Aldeburgh, Thorpeness Hotel and Golf Club, the Swan at Lavenham and the Crown in Woodbridge.

Grahame Tinnion, managing director, said: “At TA Hotel Collection we believe in the enormous potential of young people and their eagerness to have a career.

“We will give our apprentices an opportunity to achieve an academic qualification whilst gaining invaluable work experience in some of Suffolk’s finest and busiest hotel kitchens. We will deliver the very best quality training with the sole intention of them all becoming our chefs of the future.”

Paula Claridge, accounts manager from Babcock Training, added: “The partnership with TA Hotel Collection has given us a unique opportunity to provide training that really does prepare young people for one of the most challenging, yet rewarding careers.

“Anyone who passes through the academy will receive world-class training, with the potential to become a future head chef.”