In the press: Mitchells & Butlers’ kitchen programme gains royal seal of approval

by Stuart TuckerNov 1, 2019Alumni news

Mitchells & Butlers has received a royal accolade for its efforts in recruiting and nurturing chefs to work in its kitchens.

The 1,700-strong pub and restaurant chain set up a ‘Chefs Academy’, offering level 2 and 3 apprenticeships, in response to a chef shortage exacerbated by Brexit.

The programme has significantly boosted kitchen staff retention rates in the business since its launch.

And this week it was presented with a Princess Royal Training Award by HRH Princess Anne in London after being recognised as one of 44 UK-wide organisations delivering outstanding workplace training.

Mitchells & Butlers credits the culinary programme, which includes masterclasses with award-winning chefs, with helping it achieve a 70% retention rate, compared to 12% for chefs in the business not undertaking the programme.

Read the full article on the Food Service Equipment website: https://www.foodserviceequipmentjournal.com/mitchells-butlers-kitchen-programme-gains-royal-seal-of-approval/

Caring Homes recognised by HRH The Princess Royal on her 70th birthday

Caring Homes are celebrating after being commended by HRH The Princess Royal, for their inspirational commitment to learning and development for the third time. City & Guilds Group announced on Friday that 43 workplace learning programmes have been commended by...

Case study: how training helped Green Lighting increase its revenue by 360% over a four year period

As one of the first companies to recruit staff through the Apprenticeship programme when it was re-launched in 2011, Green Lighting has always seen the potential of apprentices. The organisation, which specialises in low energy lighting products, saw the benefit of a...

Case Study: Putting people centre stage at Veolia

As a UK leader in environmental solutions, Veolia provides a range of water, energy and resource management services designed to build the circular economy and preserve scarce raw materials.VeoliaDate 2019Region UK-wideSize 5000+ employeesSector EnvironmentWorking in...

Lee Marley Brickwork: The Ripple Effect of receiving a Princess Royal Training Award

Lee Marley believes in continually learning and improving his own skills and is currently undertaking a level 7 qualification in Construction Management.

HRH The Princess Royal visits The Thames Skills Academy

HRH The Princess Royal met members of The Thames Skills Academy (TSA) on 10 May, in a visit showcasing pioneering work to improve safety skills for everyone working on and beside the river. At the end of her tour at Butler’s Wharf, led by TSA’s CEO Katherine Riggs and...

Royal seal of approval for nucleargraduates again

A west Cumbrian training organisation is celebrating after scooping an award that recognises excellence in workplace learning programmes for the second time. Lillyhall-based nucleargraduates is one of only 43 recipients from a range of sectors nationally to be given...

In the press: The impact of awards on recruitment – A signal to attract top-talent

What is a company without its employees? The heart and soul of every great company is its people and the most successful organisations are those which recruit the right people. People with passion, drive, and a shared sense of purpose. Recruitment can be the...

Case study: how IBM recruits a diverse workforce

In this video, IBM Foundation Managers Joel Thomas and Kelly Markwick talk about how IBM are actively recruiting a diverse workforce. IBM achieved a Princess Royal Training Award in 2021.

In the press: Gateshead College receives double Royal seal of approval

The top North East college has achieved double success in a prestigious national awards scheme that celebrates the positive business impact of outstanding skills development programmes. Gateshead College scooped two accolades in this year’s Princess Royal Training...

In the press: Six construction firms receive Princess Royal Training Award

Bouygues, Balfour Beatty and Walker Construction are amongst the 44 UK organisations commended with a Princess Royal Training Award for their workplace training. Presented by HRH Princess Anne and delivered by the City and Guilds Group, the Princess Royal Training...

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Most recent

News categories

HRH The Princess Royal discusses the diverse range of Princess Royal Training Award organisations

In this video series, Kirstie Donnelly MBE, Chief Executive of City & Guilds, talks with our president HRH The Princess Royal about the importance of skills on society, about the role we play as an organisation and about the Awards that we created in her name – The Princess Royal Training Awards – which are celebrating their tenth anniversary.

HRH The Princess Royal discusses the value of City & Guilds to society

HRH The Princess Royal discusses the changing world of skills

A decade of excellence and a room full of inspiration – Princess Royal Training Awards Skills Share 2025

On 30 April 2025, City & Guilds hosted its second-ever Skills Share event – this time at the stunning Goldsmiths’ Hall in London – marking a major milestone: 10 years of the Princess Royal Training Awards. With over 130 Award recipients in attendance, the event was not just a celebration but a forum for shared learning, inspiration and reflection on what a decade of investment in skills development really means.