D&D London has launched hospitality Summer School, a paid training programme that aims to secure employment for people with little or no previous experience looking to enter the industry.

The inaugural programme will take place during the week commencing July 5 and will see 30 participants take part. If successful, the initiative will be continued with further schools through the summer.  

D&D London, like countless other restaurants, bars and hotels in the UK, has struggled to secure enough staff as restaurants have got busier since April reopening. The Summer School is one of a number of initiatives D&D is implementing to attract staff, the group said.

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

Taking place at 100 Wardour Street in Soho, 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.  

D&D’s people director Carol Cairnes said: “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.

“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.”