Michelin-trained chef Matthew Benson-Smith has launched a new Hospitality and Catering Apprentice Academy at the historic Dean Clough Mill complex in Halifax.
Chef Benson-Smith Academy is a state of the art practical training facility, purpose designed to educate and mentor intimate numbers of apprentices working for establishments across the UK. The government registered and approved independent training academy is now operating level 2 -5 training programmes tailored to the requirements of a broad range of workplace clients.
Benson-Smith forged his culinary skills during his Michelin training at Ecole Lenotre Paris, and made his mark in Yorkshire through helping convert Hazelwood Castle with his brother John Benson-Smith, ex-BBC MasterChef judge, before becoming Head Chef at Rudding Park Hotel.
After becoming a Consultant Assessor/Examiner for City & Guilds of London Institute and a Consultant Assessor/Examiner for Highfield Qualifications, Matthew is pursuing his passion to deliver highly skilled professionals for Hotels, Restaurants, Fishmongers, Butchers and Bakers.
Matthew Benson-Smith was a Principal tutor and Director at the former cooking school at Dean Clough. He said: “I am delighted to return to Dean Clough for this exciting venture that I feel is so important for the hospitality industry. My father was a steel business entrepreneur in Sheffield and often hosted dinner parties from which I was raised to appreciate good food. Both my brother John and I have forged great careers in the industry, and I want to inspire young people to do the same. Certainly, the industry needs some positive injection after a turbulent few years throughout the pandemic and other economic events, and putting skilled and motivated individuals directly into the business is our objective.
“Dean Clough provides the prefect environment to help inspire our apprentices to be the best that they can. There is a special quality about the place with an ownership team that engenders strong family values and community spirit. Good public transport accessible by foot is also an important attribute given that our apprentices travel from all over the UK.”
“The feedback so far from both employers and apprentices has been exceptional. Not only do they value the focused training they’re receiving, they also enjoy the culture and environment of Dean Clough Mills.”
Jeremy Hall, Chairman and MD at Dean Clough Ltd, said: “We are so pleased to welcome Matthew and his team to Dean Clough. To be a host to such an accomplished operator working for the greater good of an ailing industry whilst supporting fledgling careers is reward indeed and we look forward to seeing some great achievements. Chef Benson-Smith is another fine example of our capacity to provide suitable space for a diverse range of occupiers.”
