Leading adult care, healthcare and early years training provider Connect2Care, part of the HIT Training Group, has launched the UK’s first Early Years Chef Apprenticeship. The first of its kind, the apprenticeship fills a crucial gap in the training landscape for the early years sector, focusing on nutrition and cooking for individuals up to five years old.
The new apprenticeship is the result of a collaboration between Connect2Care’s experienced curriculum team and renowned nutritional therapist Louise Mercieca, who brings a wealth of expertise in child nutrition and development. Louise, an award-winning author, radio show presenter, and podcaster, has been dedicated to education around the link between food and health, and is excited to bring her knowledge to professional training in the early years sector.
Louise Mercieca, nutritional therapist, says,
“It’s extremely important when feeding children to fully understand the impact of the foods we choose for them. Early nutritional intake is crucial to laying the biological foundations for building a brain and a strong skeleton. The modules on the course will allow early years practitioners to gain awareness of how food really does shape a child.”
Apprentices on the course will also learn to meet high expectations of compliance and hygiene, set budgets and manage portion control. The apprenticeship will also empower participants with the knowledge to influence a child’s eating patterns and food habits positively.
“We should never underestimate just how influential we are when working with children. We really can help shape a child’s eating behaviours for life,” Louise emphasises.
Louise’s passion for nutrition education and her ability to make biology fun and accessible ensures that the apprenticeship’s content reflects the impact of food on child development and overall health.
Connect2Care is proud to be the only training provider offering this specialised apprenticeship for the early years sector.
Mike Worley, Managing Director at HIT Training, comments
“The launch of the Early Years Chef Apprenticeship marks a renewed commitment from Connect2Care to the early years sector. This course not only fills a critical training gap but also ensures that those working with young children are equipped with the essential skills and knowledge to provide nutritious, balanced meals that are fundamental to a child’s growth and development. By offering this specialised apprenticeship, we are empowering early years practitioners to positively influence the lifelong eating habits of the children they care for, contributing to their overall well-being and future health.”