Alan, left, accepts his certificate from Caterplus managing director, Jim Lovett

Homeless charity clients rise to the challenge thanks to Caterplus Services Limited

4th August 2010, 10:49am

A catering training programme run by the Homelessness charity St Mungo's has been deemed a success after four clients completed its ten-week catering training programme.

The programme, run by Caterplus Services Limited, saw the four trainee chefs take part in a challenge called 'Can Cook Will Cook'. The challenge was to cook a Greek feast for 25 family and friends - before attending a certificate presentation ceremony last week in Stockwell, South London.

The participants now have the opportunity to be selected for an advanced training programme leading to a paid apprenticeship with Caterplus.

A report published recently by the charity, Work Matters, calls for the government to simplify back to work support for homeless people including specialist skills training and employability support to get people to the point where they are 'job ready'.

Trainee chef Alan has been living at St Mungo's Covent Garden hostel since summer 2009. He said: "I've always worked. I've worked pretty much since I was 17 but, following the breakdown of my marriage, I began to drink heavily and life just fell apart.

"Since coming to St Mungo's I feel like they've given me so many options. I mentioned I enjoyed cooking and sure enough, the next day they gave me information about this catering course. I applied there and then.

"I wanted to be busy, not stuck in my room. I have thoroughly enjoyed it, learning basic knife skills, food hygiene and learning all about different foods. I can't believe it's done – I'd like the course to be longer!"

Following graduation Alan is hoping to be interviewed for the advanced course.

Mark ter Telgte, St Mungo's team leader for the programme, said: "The team at Caterplus has run an excellent course and we have again been very impressed with the response of our trainees. Courses like these are important in helping develop particular skills but also vital in boosting people's motivation, will power and self-esteem. We hope that these successful graduates go on to apprenticeships, further training and then into long term jobs."

Tony Barrett, food service director, Caterplus Services said: "As St Mungo's catering provider, we are firmly committed to providing more than just food and this programme continues to be a successful way we are helping to meet St Mungo's objectives of getting people into long term work.

"The course has been a massive hit with everyone involved and feedback from the trainees has been brilliant."

The graduating chefs were also presented with a copy of Practical Cookery by Foskett and Ceserani, which they describe as being "widely considered [to be] the ultimate must-have for all budding cooks and chefs."

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