Pub and restaurant group Noble House claims it has sent a "wake up call" to other pubcos after unveiling its new bespoke training programme for chefs - the Ken Hom Academy of Oriental Cooking.
The company, which runs Jim Thompson's Thai bar and restaurants and Yellow River cafes as well as the six-strong Oriental Restaurant Group, believes it is the first company to devise an in-house programme offering its kitchen staff training and qualifications in Oriental food.
The training programme has taken 12 months to develop in association with celebrity Oriental chef Ken Hom, and has been given the backing of the London Central Learning and Skills Council.
"We are young but serious about the product we offer and our training and development policy was paramount from the start," said Robert Breare, chief executive of Noble House.
And he said other pub companies should follow Noble House's example and increase their commitment to training.
"We believe this initiative will make us an employer of choice," he said. "We also believe that everything that can be done to increase the credibility of the industry is a help to attract people into a career, not just into a job."
The programme started this month with 20 chefs. 20 are due to begin training in May, June and July. The Ken Hom Academy will become a requirement for all new kitchen staff and will eventually be open to other Noble House employees.
Training is carried out in each site and involves four levels - induction, certificate, NVQ 2 and diploma and it is estimated it will take staff three years to complete all four levels. The manuals to accompany the programme have been produced in English, Thai and Chinese.
Ken Hom, Noble House's consultant chef, said: "I noticed how publicans and restaurateurs faced big problems getting adequately trained people in this type of cuisine, since there is not an apprentice system in the UK as in other parts of Europe. That is why I am committed to giving the Academy my full and on-going support."