How M&B's Chefs Academy will set you up for a career as a chef
At Mitchells and Butlers, we pride ourselves on investing in our people and setting our teams up for success. One of the ways we do this is providing our teams with the education and skills to enable them to grow in their roles.
One of the ways we do this is through our Chefs Academy programme.
Our Chefs Academy provides our Chefs, no matter what their current level of experience, the chance to work with new ingredients and methods of cooking during training days which help in advancing their knowledge.
Sounds great, right? Do you want to find out more about Chefs Academy? To help you out, we spoke to Ashlea, Josh and Lauren a few apprentices at Mitchells & Butlers who are all currently on the chef’s academy.
What specific skills do you learn?
The sessions consist of preparing, cooking and finishing dishes from basic meat and fish prep, soups, stocks, sauces, pasta, rice, eggs, basic bread, pastry, desserts, through to vegetarian and plant-based foods.
Although this is a skills-based programme, there is also a focus on why and how recipes work, how parts of the animal can dictate the cooking methods used seasonality and sustainability.
Are there specific courses which take place at The Chefs Academy
The Programme is called “Commis chef” this is in name only, it is a L2 Culinary Apprenticeship.
Who are the tutors and what experience/knowledge do they have?
All the tutors have years of Industry experience. From all areas of the hospitality industry including hotels and restaurants, events, contract catering and colleges. Terry and John who lead the programme have a wealth of experience in the industry and have themselves progressed their careers within MAB.
What are the next steps after the Chefs Academy – how does this lead to progression?
Within M&B after graduating from Chefs Academy, the learner can progress to a L3 programme through our partnership training provider Lifetime. Within business, the building of self-confidence has lead to a number of graduates gaining promotions within their business’s. As a nationally recognised qualification, it is an important document to have within a CV, this may help in wherever your career path takes you.
Find out more about Chefs Academy
Come and join the team!
No matter what experience you have, the Chef’s academy programme here at M&B can set you up for a career in hospitality.
Hungry for more?
Pop in your email and we’ll dish out the tastiest stories from across M&B, served to you fresh. Choose your interests, and we’ll make sure you’re always first to the table.
By clicking submit you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy.
See what we’re all about
We're shaping a workplace where everyone thrives. Explore the heart and soul of Mitchells & Butlers by checking out our guiding principles.
Our valuesOur Stories
Teaser
Career DevelopmentContent Type
BlogPublish date
09/03/2026
Summary
When Caitlin started her photography degree, a career in hospitality wasn’t exactly part of the plan. She was simply looking for a part-time chef job that would fit around her studies. Nearly eig
by
Sophie Russell
Teaser
Career DevelopmentContent Type
BlogPublish date
08/20/2026
Summary
A lot of people join Harvester looking for a job. Many stay because they discover a career. If you enjoy working as part of a close-knit team, love the buzz of a busy kitchen and want to keep l
by
Rachel Hoggard
Teaser
Career AdviceContent Type
BlogPublish date
08/19/2026
Summary
Are you the person who keeps everyone smiling when plans change? Do you notice when somebody needs a hand? Maybe you get a real buzz from meeting new people or pulling together as part of a tea
by
Laura Kelly
Teaser
Career DevelopmentContent Type
BlogPublish date
08/19/2026
Summary
Your first hospitality job might begin as a way to earn some extra money, work around university or find something that fits alongside the rest of your life. With a few shifts under your belt,
by
Sue Bayley
Teaser
Career AdviceContent Type
BlogPublish date
08/19/2026
Summary
At Toby Carvery, we’re the Home of the Roast, where every day is a Sunday. Guests might come for the perfectly ruffled potatoes, giant Yorkies and all the trimmings, but it’s our people who help
by
Laura Kelly
Teaser
Our CultureContent Type
BlogPublish date
08/04/2026
Summary
What does a long-term hospitality career really look like? For Amanda Etherington, better known as Dula, it's meant 30 years of learning, leading and growing with M&B. Starting as a waitress in 1
by
Laura Kelly
Teaser
Our CultureContent Type
BlogPublish date
07/22/2026
Summary
Not sure whether a front of house or back of house role is right for you? Discover the differences, explore hospitality careers at M&B and find the role that matches your skills and personality.
by
Emily Seagrave
Teaser
Our CultureContent Type
BlogPublish date
07/21/2026
Summary
Thinking about becoming a Kitchen Team Leader? Discover what the role involves, the skills you'll use every day, career progression opportunities and why a Kitchen Team Leader role at M&B could b
by
Rebecca Houseago
Teaser
Career AdviceContent Type
BlogPublish date
07/13/2026
Summary
Are you nervous about what comes after school? Finishing school is a huge milestone. It's exciting, but it's completely normal to feel nervous about what comes next. As you step into the adult wo