Compass Scotland has renewed its culinary ambassador partnership with Restaurant Andrew Fairlie-based head chef, Stephen McLaughlin.
The arrangement sees Stevie, head chef of the acclaimed Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, contributing as a consultant for the contract caterer while playing a central role in the organisation’s industry-leading apprenticeship and training programme.
Core to this partnership is a series of three-month internships for Compass Scotland’s most promising apprentices, working alongside Stevie and his team in the kitchen to support the junior culinary apprentices via a series of workshops. So far, the Two-Michelin-Starred chef has mentored around 30 Compass Scotland apprenctices since the partnership began in 2022.
Compass Scotland MD, David Hay, said: ‘The expertise that Stevie provides is second to none and there’s no doubt that he inspires everyone he works with, including our apprentices. The internship has literally changed the lives of some of those who have been fortunate enough to spend time with him and his team and the experience provides an excellent addition to their Compass Scotland experience and roles.
Stevie added: ‘I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being involved with Compass Scotland over the last few years. They’ve got a fantastic team of people who are really committed to developing the next generation of talent, and this is something I care strongly about.
‘There’s something very special about refining your skills in a working kitchen environment and I’m very much looking forward to continuing my relationship with Compass Scotland and helping to develop the next generation of Scottish hospitality talent.’
Jonathan Foot, Director of Skills & Early Careers at Compass Group UK & Ireland, said: ‘Through Compass’s social value commitments, we are dedicated to our Mission to a Million pledge, which aims to positively impact one million lives by 2030, both within and outside the organisation.
‘Our apprenticeship programmes are part of this, and they help to support the skills development of existing employees, as well as attracting new talent. This partnership and internship offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that we’re honoured to be able to facilitate.
‘I’m sure Stevie will continue to inspire our junior apprentices, and it will be great to see how he will develop our senior chefs as we start a new culinary programme for them in 2025.’