16-24 year olds - Paid Internships - Call 01733 332122 

Chef de la Maison Academy CIC
Free · Peterborough · Ages 16–24

Your Career
in Hospitality
Starts Here

Chef de la Maison Academy CIC delivers a free, professional-grade hospitality employability programme for young people in Peterborough. No experience needed — just the drive to succeed.

Apply Now — It's Free See the Programme
100%
Free to Join
25+
Years Experience
3,200+
Events Catered
🏆
Industry Mentorship
Learn directly from working hospitality professionals with decades of real-world experience.
Hands-on
👨‍🍳
Real Kitchen Skills
Practical training in a professional environment — from food prep to front-of-house excellence.
Professional
🎯
Employment Ready
CV, interviews, job placements — we support you all the way into paid work.
Guaranteed Support
Free Training Ages 16–24 Peterborough DWP Partner CPCA Funded No Experience Needed Employment Support Professional Mentors Free Training Ages 16–24 Peterborough DWP Partner CPCA Funded No Experience Needed Employment Support Professional Mentors
CDLM
Academy
Excellence · Community · Purpose
About the Academy

Built on 25 Years of Hospitality Excellence

Founded by Nathan Higgins — who has catered over 3,200 events since 1998 — Chef de la Maison Academy CIC exists to open the doors of the hospitality industry to young people in Peterborough who deserve a chance.

Excellence
Professional-standard training that equips you for the real world.
Community
Rooted in Peterborough, serving the people who call this city home.
Purpose
Every participant matters. We measure success by your employment.
Opportunity
100% free. No barriers to entry. Just ambition and a willingness to learn.
The Programme

What You'll Learn & Achieve

A structured, hands-on hospitality programme designed to take you from zero experience to employment-ready.

01
Kitchen Skills & Food Preparation
Professional cookery techniques, food safety, allergen awareness, and working in a real commercial kitchen environment.
02
Front of House & Service Excellence
Customer service, event hosting, table service, professional presentation, and communication skills.
03
Industry Mentorship
One-to-one and group sessions with working hospitality professionals who open doors to real employment networks.
04
Employability & CV Support
Interview preparation, CV writing, job search skills, and confidence-building workshops tailored to hospitality roles.
05
Work Experience Placements
Real-world placements within Chef de la Maison's events and catering operation, plus partner employers.
06
Ongoing Employment Support
We don't stop when the programme ends. We continue to support your transition into paid work and further training.
Who Can Apply

Are You Eligible?

The programme is completely free and open to young people in Peterborough who meet the following criteria.

  • ✓
    Aged 16 to 24 years old
  • ✓
    Living in or around Peterborough
  • ✓
    Not in full-time employment or education
  • ✓
    No previous hospitality experience required — just enthusiasm
  • ✓
    You may be referred by a DWP Work Coach or apply directly
In Partnership With
DWP
CPCA
Youth Guarantee Trailblazer
Allia Future Business Centre
100%
Free to all participants — no hidden costs, ever
16–24
Age range we serve in Peterborough
25+
Years of combined industry expertise in our team
3,200+
Professional events delivered by our parent company

"The Academy gave me real skills, real confidence, and a real job. I start as a line cook in September — something I never thought would happen for me."

Mohammad
Academy Graduate · Progressing to Employed Line Cook, September 2026
The Team

Professionals Who Care

Every member of our team is a working hospitality professional dedicated to your success.

N
Nathan Higgins
Founder & Programme Director
Over 25 years catering 3,200+ events. Founded Chef de la Maison in 1998. Passionate about creating pathways for the next generation of hospitality professionals.
E
Emma Hatton
Sessional Tutor & Assessor
Qualified hospitality professional delivering hands-on curriculum and formal assessment. Emma brings warmth, expertise, and genuine dedication to every participant.
S
Sanjay Selvaraj
Industry Mentor & DPS Manager
Experienced hospitality professional providing one-to-one mentorship and industry connections. Sanjay opens doors that change careers.
T
Toni
Programme Coordinator
The heartbeat of day-to-day operations, ensuring every participant gets the support, structure, and encouragement they need throughout the programme.
Apply for a Free Place

Ready to Start Your Hospitality Career?

Places are limited and filled on a first-come basis. Applications are reviewed within 3 working days and all applicants receive a personal response.

  • 📍
    Location: Allia Future Business Centre, Peterborough — easily accessible by public transport
  • ⏱
    Duration: Flexible programme schedule — we work around you
  • 💷
    Cost: Completely free. No fees, no deposits, no hidden costs.
  • 🤝
    DWP Referrals: Ask your Work Coach to refer you directly, or apply yourself and we'll coordinate with them
  • 🎓
    What You'll Get: Skills, mentorship, work experience, and full support into employment
Get in Touch
academy@chefdelamaison.co.uk 01733 000 000