JAMIE Oliver this week invited a group of aspiring young chefs from Cumbria to spend a day at his east London restaurant Fifteen.

Cumbria Tourist Board’s chef apprentices met up with Jamie’s own trainees for a tasting session in the deli on Tuesday.

In the evening they enjoyed a meal in the restaurant that featured in the Channel 4 documentary Jamie’s Kitchen. Fifteen is one of the most sought after venues in the capital and is booked up months in advance.

Cath Fare, job creation and training manger at Cumbria Tourist Board, said: “This was a wonderful opportunity for our apprentices to experience one of the country’s most exciting and successful restaurants.

“I hope it will inspire them to achieve similarly high standards in their futures and we really appreciate Jamie’s support in helping young people who are just starting out in the business”.

Cumbria Tourist Board’s Chef Apprenticeship scheme is now in its second year. It is open to 16-23 year olds who can demonstrate a genuine passion for cooking coupled with the drive to kick-start a successful career in the kitchen.

Each Chef Apprentice receives a structured training programme leading to NVQ qualifications as well as a range of nationally-recognised certificates, two quality work placements and visits to local food producers and top restaurants. They also receive a salary and six weeks paid holiday.