A group of restaurant industry veterans have launched the Jupiter Restaurant Scholarship, a new program which aims to attract and develop young talent in the hospitality industry.

Created by Neville Abraham, founder of Groupe Chez Gerard, with Michael Gottlieb of My Kinda Town and Smollensky’s, Deborah Jelffs also of Groupe Chez Gerard, John Lederer of Brasserie Blanc, and David Gleave of Liberty Wines, the scheme hopes to attract ‘bright young people’ to the industry.

Setting this scheme apart are its charitable credentials. Both Springboard and 20/20 Levels were directly involved in Jupiter’s creation in order to more actively address the employments challenges facing the industry.

The restaurants and brands in which the scholars will be placed range from the high street to the high end, with the likes of Caravan, Granger & Co, Cubitt House, Chez Bruce and The River Café all supporting.

Abraham said of the program: “The effects of Covid and Brexit have reduced the number of competent people who are working in London’s restaurants. As a result, we need to appeal to a new group of people who previously might not have thought of hospitality as a suitable career path.”

The news comes off the back of the successful re-launch of the JKS apprenticeship program, which entices people of all ages into kitchen, bar and front of house roles across the plethora of brands.

The new Jupiter scheme is set to pay London minimum wage which, based on roughly 40 hours a week, would likely pay a total between £22-£25,000 pa to each apprentice.

For more information, and to apply, visit – www.jupiterscholarship.com/apply