An apprenticeship scheme that gets students working in Lake District restaurants has been shortlisted for two nationally recognised awards.

The Academy by Simon Rogan apprenticeship programme, created in conjunction with Kendal College, is up for the Best Apprenticeship Strategy and the Best Education and Industry Partnership awards from among 200 entrants at the Springboard Awards.

Simon Rogan Restaurants and Kendal College launched the programme last year which provides a 15-month training period that gets students working with the teams in Simon’s Lake District restaurants. 

The programme equips them with the right skills needed to escalate their passion for food, helped by expert tutors from Kendal College, one of the UK's leading hospitality schools.

The Springboard Awards for Excellence annually celebrates hospitality's best individuals and businesses. The awards recognise those who have been creative, innovative, and supportive towards their colleagues in their respective organisations over the past year.

Big names in hospitality - The Ivy Collection, Dakota Hotels, The Athenaeum Hotel and Residences, The Vineyard Group and Hilton - are also among this year's finalists.

Marcin Maryniak, head of HR and recruitment with Simon Rogan Restaurants, said: "We launched the Academy by Simon Rogan, to be able to provide those serious about developing their careers in hospitality with an opportunity to learn from one of the world’s leading restaurant teams.

"Being shortlisted in two Springboard Award categories demonstrates the hard work and dedication of every member of our team and the culinary team from Kendal College, who by collaborating closely together have made the Academy project such a success since its creation in 2021."

Upon receiving a record number of entries this year, Springboard Awards judges shortlisted finalists in seventeen award categories including the Fiona Colley Trainee of the Year, Best Employer, and Community Engagement awards.

The awards ceremony will be held on April 11 at London's InterContinental Park Lane, hosted by comic Simon Brodkin.

The next round of apprenticeship applications opens on March 18.

For more information and how to apply for a place with Academy by Simon Rogan, visit www.simonrogan.co.uk/careers-academy or email academy@simonrogan.co.uk.