D&D London launches Summer School in aim to boost recruitment

The inaugural Summer School will take place during the week commencing 5 July and will see 30 participants take part.

If successful, the initiative will be continued with further schools through the summer.

The week-long paid training programme will focus on three main aspects of restaurants: front of house, back of house and bar. The attendees will be divided into these groups and will be training for the roles of commis waiter, commis chef and bar-back.  

Taking place at the group's Soho restaurant 100 Wardour Street, attendees will be paid ​​during the training and the course will end with an interview and, for successful candidates, employment at one of D&D London’s restaurants.

All learners will receive an introduction to hospitality, to D&D as a brand, as well as training for mock interviews and CV feedback to increase their chances of employability as they develop their careers.

The Summer School is described as 'one of a number of initiatives D&D is implementing to attract staff'. Like many others, the group has struggled to secure enough staff as restaurants have got busier since April reopening. 

"We are really looking forward to the start of the Summer School and I do feel that it will bring high quality staff into D&D," says Carol Cairnes, D&D London's people director.

"Although we hope all participants join us, even if they don’t, they will be more equipped and confident to explore a career in the hospitality industry in general."

The training week will conclude with a graduation ceremony attended by D&D founders Des Gunewardena and David Loewi.