Chef de la Maison Academy: Building the workforce of tomorrow

When Jonathan Jelly first heard about the Chef de la Maison Academy, he immediately recognised something different.

In a single email, he described the Academy as having the foundations of a structured pathway with real credibility and purpose. He saw the potential for it to become a flagship employability programme for Peterborough and offered his support in helping it grow.

For Nathan Higgins, Founder and Director of Chef de la Maison Ltd and the Chef de la Maison Academy, that recognition confirmed what he had believed from the beginning.

The Academy is not simply a training programme. It is a pathway designed to help people discover their ability, develop professional confidence and move into meaningful employment.

"Our belief is simple," said Higgins. "When people are put into a position to excel, they will. People often achieve more when they are trusted, challenged and given the opportunity to prove themselves."

That philosophy has shaped every part of the Academy.

Rather than creating artificial workplace environments, participants are placed into genuine commercial operations where expectations are high, standards are professional and success is earned. They gain experience across hospitality, catering, digital operations, e-commerce and business functions while developing the confidence and behaviours employers need.

Higgins believes that many people are not lacking ability. They are lacking opportunity.

"People can find themselves swimming against a difficult current. The job market can be challenging, confidence can be low and previous experiences can create barriers. The Academy exists to help people learn how to swim against that current and find their footing in the wider world."

The philosophy behind the Academy comes from Higgins' own experiences of operating a demanding business environment.

On one occasion, Higgins brought his daughter to work with him, expecting it to be a normal day. Instead, they faced one of the busiest catering days the business had experienced, with significant pressure and a large number of orders to complete.

"There was no easy option. We had to focus, adapt and keep moving," Higgins explained. "Together, we got through the day, fulfilled every order and achieved something that initially felt overwhelming."

For Higgins, the experience demonstrated an important lesson.

"When people are placed in difficult situations, they have a choice. They can sink, or they can swim. The role of the Academy is to give people the support, environment and confidence they need to choose to swim."

The Academy's vision extends beyond individual training. It is built around the belief that one partnership can create benefits across an entire community.

Every time a business engages with the Academy, a chain reaction begins.

A young person who may have struggled to access employment gains practical skills, confidence, workplace experience and a professional reference that can change their future.

The Academy strengthens its evidence base and validates an employer-led model that is transitioning into a Community Interest Company.

The local community benefits as more people move from unemployment into sustainable careers, creating stronger economic outcomes across Peterborough and Cambridgeshire.

Businesses gain access to a talent pipeline of individuals who have already been tested in real working environments and demonstrated their ability to perform.

"This is not about creating a charity model," said Higgins. "This is about creating a solution. Businesses have recruitment challenges, skills shortages and pressure to demonstrate meaningful social value. The Academy helps address all three."