Fast track to a chef’s career

The restaurant industry is facing a severe labour shortage, forcing some restaurants to reduce their opening hours. Together with its partners, StaffPoint has responded to this challenge with an innovative new solution.

Through the StaffChef training program, participants gain the skills required to work as professional chefs during a three-week intensive training period, followed by on-the-job learning. What makes this program unique is the inclusion of a dedicated StaffPoint mentor and the fact that students receive a salary from their very first day of training. In total, the program lasts 12 months.

Launched in autumn 2022, the StaffChef program by StaffPoint and its partners has started off successfully. Students are now learning on the job in partner company kitchens, including Scandic Hotels and HOK-Elanto restaurants. One of the current participants is Miko, who now works in the kitchen of the Hilton Airport Hotel restaurant.

The Best Part Is the Team Spirit

Miko originally trained as an interior designer and has worked in various roles across different industries. However, the restaurant world had always intrigued him, and the StaffChef program became the perfect springboard for turning that interest into a new career path.

Miko is very happy with his decision to pursue a career in the restaurant industry, as he sees plenty of opportunities to develop himself and his skills. In the future, he aims to become an even more skilled chef and is looking forward to new experiences and a fresh chapter in his life as a culinary professional.

Currently working in the kitchen of the Hilton Airport Hotel, Miko especially values the positive atmosphere within his team.

Even though we take our work seriously and do things properly, the atmosphere is still relaxed — it’s genuinely nice to come to work,” Miko sums up.

Miko sums up the atmosphere at his workplace.

The Old Ways Are No Longer Enough

According to Satu Vennala, HR Manager for HOK-Elanto’s restaurant division, the world has changed, and the old methods are no longer enough:

“Now is the right time to try new ways to attract the talents of the future — and judging by the number of applicants, we clearly managed to reach the right audience.”

Vennala also emphasises the importance of collaboration between different partners, and sees the StaffChef training program as an excellent example of open-minded cooperation.