*Villa Midlands Food (VMF) Helping Young People*

Aston Villa is pleased to launch a new initiative, a training restaurant called VMF - Villa Midlands Food.

VMF is inspired by the varied cultures and cuisines that are found in Aston and its neighbouring areas and local young people are at the heart of the project.

We have partnered with the City Council`s Birmingham Apprenticeship Scheme and the National Apprenticeship Service and have 12 trainee hospitality students from within a 10 mile radius of Villa Park.

The Apprentices will spend 2 years with Aston Villa Hospitality and Events, during this time they will be taking a Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Hospitality Services qualification and we will be working with Walsall College as the training provider.

The aim is to give experience and a quality work environment to young adults and to use unique and traditional recipes that reflect our relationships with our local people whilst sourcing 80% of the food from within a 40 mile radius of Villa Park.



VMF will open for dinner to the public on October 7th; the students will both cook and serve the food.

"VMF is a truly unique scheme" said Alison Plant, Head of Hospitality and Events. "It is a restaurant that is different from anything else and we are delighted to get this initiative up and running. VMF offers local youngsters a career opportunity into the hospitality industry. Aston Villa is renowned for outstanding hospitality and service levels and we are aiming to build on this success for generations to come".

To make a restaurant booking, Thursday - Saturday 7pm - 10pm, call 0121 326 1570.

www.avhe.co.uk

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