The Leela Palaces, Hotels, and Resorts announced the launch of the ‘Shefs at The Leela’ programme as a structured culinary development programme for aspiring lady chefs. The programme is not just a stepping stone to a job in the hospitality industry but a firm foundation for a career within The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts in the field of culinary arts.
On the proud occasion of International Women’s Day 2024, the fifth edition of ‘Shefs at The Leela’ programme was unveiled on the 8th and 9th of March 2024 at The Leela Palace Jaipur. This two-day event featured a grand gala dinner at Mohan Mahal, where a six-course menu was expertly curated by globally renowned women chefs – Chef Rasika Mythily Venkatesa, Chef Tashyaa Mehrotra, and Chef Tejasvi Chandela.
Since its inception in 2022, ‘Shefs at The Leela’, an innovative platform celebrating women chefs in partnership with Dean With Us, has successfully hosted multiple editions at The Leela Palaces in Bengaluru and Chennai, The Leela Ambience Gurugram, and The Leela Bharatiya City. This initiative was introduced to promote equity in the kitchens. The programme provides opportunities for women who have studied hotel management or a reputed culinary programme for a minimum period of one year, aspire to work as chefs, and are keen to see their entrepreneurial dreams come to life. Serving as a platform for women achievers in the culinary realm, ‘Shefs at The Leela’ aims to nurture ambitions, offering growth opportunities that help women fulfil their culinary aspirations.
Anuraag Bhatnagar, Chief Executive Officer of The Leela Palaces, Hotels, and Resorts, said, “We at The Leela are committed towards building a work environment, that celebrates diversity and nurtures equity. ‘Shefs at The Leela’ was conceptualized as a platform that appreciates the achievements of women in hospitality and builds a community that will inspire, encourage, and nurture diversity in our kitchens. With this pioneering initiative and the overwhelming response it has received, we are now evolving this into a concrete and structured culinary development programme that will not only solve the need for diverse and skilled talent within the kitchens but also create a springboard for aspiring women chefs to follow their passions and fulfil their aspirations to carve a niche for themselves within the industry.”
The ‘Shefs at The Leela’ programme, certified by The Leela, is designed to provide an opportunity for aspirants to grow personally and professionally. The aspirants are groomed through a combination of academic study and comprehensive on-the-job training. The objective of the programme is to develop the next generation of culinary experts in bakery and confectionary; and continental, Indian, and oriental cuisines, who will continue to practice and nurture the organisation’s people-focused approach to achieve service excellence.
In addition to the core curriculum, The Leela will organize quarterly ‘Shefs at The Leela’ events to cultivate a vibrant culinary community. These gatherings will encompass various activities, such as master classes led by industry experts, panel discussions with renowned chefs, and curated dinners prepared by celebrated women chefs. The events will also include the recognition of outstanding achievements through awards.
The two-year ‘Shefs at The Leela’ programme is structured into two phases. Beginning in the third quarter of 2024, freshers are eligible to join phase one, and depending on calibre, professionals can apply for phase two of the programme. The first phase focuses on developing a foundation of culinary skills and knowledge. The second phase is dedicated to building and advancing culinary skills and acumen, including shadowing executive chefs.
The applicants are selected through a trade test and a well-rounded evaluation process. The ‘Shefs at The Leela’ programme offers several benefits, including certification by The Leela upon the completion of the programme. Graduates of the programme receive priority in consideration for internal transfers and career advancement. ‘Shefs at The Leela’ associates will serve as brand ambassadors of the programme, attending ‘Shefs at The Leela’ events and initiatives as required.
Further, upon completing the ‘Shefs at The Leela’ programme with a minimum tenure of employment, graduates will be awarded an incentive.
The mandate for The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts has been expanded to lead training and development interventions across all levels of the organisation with a focus on improving gender diversity across all levels. The Leela Leadership Development Programme (LLDP), a 15-month programme has been designed to equip associates in functions of Sales, Butlers, F&B, and Operations to strengthen their competencies and skills to take on higher positions of responsibility within the organisation. Furthermore, female LLDP aspirants who were not selected in the final round are eligible to apply for phase two of the ‘Shefs at The Leela’ programme.
