About a dozen apprenticeship opportunities are being offered in the local hospitality sector.

Family owned pub company Pickles Pubs, which has six outlets in the Aire and Wharfe Valleys, is on the look-out for new apprentices to work as trainee chefs and budding bar managers.

Neil Pickles, managing director, said: “We pride ourselves on developing our own employees and have worked closely with Craven College over the past two years on the apprenticeship scheme.

“Our first wave of apprentices are now either in their second year or ready to move on through the ranks. As our business grows, we need to recruit more. We are committed to developing apprentices, not using them as slave labour. They get a thorough grounding in all aspects of the business.“ Pickles Pubs operates the Acorn at Eldwick, The Glen at Gilstead, The Red Lion at Burley-in-Wharfedale, the Old White Bear at Cross Hills, the Malt Shovel at Harden and the Bay Horse at Cowling, near Keighley.

Neil is looking to recruit two apprentices for each location to train either in the kitchen or front of house.

He said: “The intention is that the apprentices progress through their qualifications, whilst learning the trade in the ‘Pickles way’ first hand within the pubs. We are committed to investing significant time and effort into the development of apprentices with the intention to offer them a full-time role at the end of their course.”

To date, Pickles Pubs has trained five apprentices in roles including bar work, cooking and business administration.

The company, which now has a £3 million turnover and employs about 100 staff, was launched by Neil in 2006 when he bought the Old White Bear. Since then, in association with Punch Taverns and Enterprise Inns, Pickles has invested about £1 million in refurbishing several of its pubs, most recently a £250,000 makeover of the Bay Horse.

The company is expanding its operations after being awarded the franchise to run bar and catering services at Keighley Golf Club, serving 450 members and promoting the club as a venue for functions or to visit informally.

Andrew Walker, golf club manager, said: “We want people to visit our club whether it be to play golf, have meetings or simply want a place to socialise in beautiful surroundings. Being able to offer a quality food service is a major step forward and we look forward to welcoming people from the Aire Valley into the club.”

Anyone interested in the apprenticeships, should e-mail enquiries@picklespubs.co.uk.