The Jupiter scholarship- a group of proven leaders committing themselves to supporting new talent

Last week saw the launch of the Jupiter Restaurant Scholarship, a new charitable scheme which aims to develop tomorrow’s managers and leaders of the hospitality industry.

The new scheme is being founded and developed by a number of London’s leading restauranteurs from the last forty years - Neville Abraham, the founder of Groupe Chez Gerard, alongside fellow industry veterans Michael Gottlieb (My Kinda Town, Smollensky’s), Deborah Jelffs (MW Eat, Groupe Chez Gerard), John Lederer (City Centre, Brasserie Blanc) and David Gleave (Liberty Wines).

The Jupiter scholarship aims to attract bright, young people to the industry, by offering a bespoke training and development programme. More than ever there is a need to highlight the sociable nature of the hospitality industry as well as how worthwhile and enjoyable a career in hospitality can be.

There has been much debate which has surrounded Higher Education and how vocational training has declined and become more focused on management theory. This debate will no doubt continue but there is something refreshing to see proven industry figures now work to offer an alternative.

The restaurant industry is facing an unparalleled post-Covid and Brexit challenge as it struggles to attract sufficientlytalented staff to enable outlets to open for a full week of trading. With an eye on the robust growth being enjoyed by premium restaurants and hotels, the training program aims to fast track the selected scholars in an attempt to create tomorrow’s managers and leaders.

The scholarship offers an alternative to paid for further education, application is completely free - as are all training costs involved post acceptance. For those individuals who apply and are successful, they will enter into an invaluable, practical paid apprenticeship-style scheme, which will see them receive comprehensive paid training before being found a placement at a named restaurant company.

Given that have been many reports at how social mobility has fallen to its lowest levels in the last forty years and discussions on how companies do need to work harder to support the development of new talent; the timing of this launch seems vert opportune for the industry to get behind.

Now is an important time to be investing in young people, to develop both vocational and leadership skills. Presenting the hospitality industry as a viable career option is something which is less common within the UK when compared with other European countries, so, this is an untapped area of development for the future.

Examples of companies who have expressed interest to host a Jupiter scholar include Caravan, Galvin, Cubitt House andThe River Cafe. As the success of the scholarship grows, there is a hope to expand both the number of people receiving scholarships as well as the number of restaurant partnerships and the cities involved. During their placement, which will last up to 12 months, the scholars will also be paired with a mentor from the industry and will also have access to additional training modules from the likes of Liberty Wines and London Cocktail Club. The aim is for the scholars to be able to reach the level of Restaurant Supervisor by the end of the programme, earning upwards of £35k - £45k, and be in a position to build and develop their careers going forward.

The Jupiter Scholarship is open to all young people from 23 years +. Industry experience is not needed but an understanding of the demands of the industry, and a love for food and beverage, is encouraged.

“The effects of Covid and Brexit have reduced the number of competent people who are working in London’s restaurants”, says Neville Abraham. “As a result, we need to appeal to a new group of people who previously might not have thought of hospitality as a suitable career path. To do this, we need to show them that training and hard work can lead to a management position within as short a period of time as possible. Such roles are paying up to £50,000 a year,” he concludes.

EP is delighted to be supportive of this new initiative and we look forward to following its development and success.

Please visit jupiterscholarship.com for more information on how to apply.