Paul Ainsworth

The Paul Ainsworth Truro & Penwith College Academy was established in partnership with the Michelin Star chef and Ofsted Outstanding College in 2018 to identify the cream of Cornish hospitality talent to fill skills gaps at the Paul Ainsworth Collection of hospitality venues.

Apprentices are recruited in-line with the business’s recruitment cycle, with entry level roles for Commis Chefs and Hospitality Team Member Apprentices.

All six Apprentices to graduate from the Academy have achieved the highest possible distinction grades and made crucial contributions to the business, both during their Apprenticeship and beyond.

Olivia Carthew joined the Academy as a Hospitality Team Member Apprentice when she was just 17 and achieved a Distinction in her Apprenticeship. At just 19-years-old Olivia gained full-time employment, was promoted to ‘restaurant curator’, ran her own front of house section at Paul’s Michelin-starred restaurant in Padstow, ‘Paul Ainsworth at No6’ and was later promoted yet again to Assistant Manager in an incredible four-year journey.

Olivia commented: “I am so grateful for all of the opportunities I was given during my Apprenticeship. I can’t thank Paul and my line manager Chelsea Roper enough, along with my tutors and training advisors at College who were very supportive and visited me at work regularly.

“Being offered a permanent position was amazing I can’t recommend the Apprenticeship programme enough; it’s the best start you can get for a career in hospitality.”

Chef Paul Ainsworth said: “It’s been amazing to watch how our Apprentices grow and develop during their Apprenticeship journey with us, and we are so proud of them. We can’t wait to offer more incredible opportunities like this to our future groups of Apprentices.

“I decided to work with Truro and Penwith College because I loved what I saw. The facilities are phenomenal, and the tutors have the same energy and goals as I have, to do our bit for our industry and make a difference.”