Increasing unemployment has hit young people hard.

School and college-leavers often struggle to find jobs, but a range of initiatives, some already up-and-running and some still ideas, look set to tackle the problem in Bradford.

With a successful International Food Academy (IFA) up and running, Graham Fleming, head of Bradford College’s culinary scheme, is excited about an idea that could, potentially, boost Bradford’s Curry Capital status.

The idea is to set up a ‘curry academy’ within a building ideally close to Bradford’s City Park.

This initiative is aimed at enhancing the international culinary skills training set up in Bradford to stem the ‘curry crisis’ caused by a tightening of immigration laws which has led to a shortage of skilled chefs.

There are currently more than 50 students on the IFA course, ranging from apprentices to the unemployed.

“The IFA was initially set up to work with employers in providing apprenticeship programmes for 16 to 18-year-olds wanting to be chefs. However, with worsening unemployment, in particular the record of unemployed between the ages of 16 to 25, it is starting to offer an intensive part-time programme for the unemployed. Both programmes have been successful in getting people off benefits and into full-time employment,” explains Graham.

The IFA’s success has prompted an expansion of the service to work more closely with employers in developing and providing training programmes directly meeting their business needs.

“Bradford is officially the Curry Capital of the UK. We are proud to be part of that and will continue to support initiatives that promote Bradford, improve businesses to create jobs and fight unemployment,” says Graham.

He says having a curry academy in the city centre would be more accessible for both the public and business people, and he suggests the menu could be based on different restaurants, providing a ‘pick and mix’ opportunity.

“It is futuristic, groundbreaking, commercial, dynamic and interesting for visitors,” adds Graham.

With news that unemployment is increasing – according to think tank IPPR North, up to 20 jobseekers are chasing every vacancy in parts of the country, which is five times the national average – the Bradford initiative is doing its bit to train international food chefs of the future.

In addition, an international food and travel ‘Studio School’ is being launched in the city in September, preparing 14 to 19-year-olds for work.

It was one of 12 approved by the Government and, says Graham, is the only one themed on international food and travel.

The Appleton Academy Trust, part of the Bradford College family, will teach the national curriculum and other key academic qualifications, as well as vocational qualifications, including work placements with local and national employers.

It will offer opportunities in food preparation, logistics and cabin crew skills, preparing young people for success and assisting in gaining employment in their chosen field.

The studio will work with local and national hotel chains, restaurants, cafe bars and food logistic companies, as well as major travel employers in Bradford.

It could bridge the gap for the district’s high number of young people not in education, employment or training.

Councillor David Green, Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration and the economy, says: “The Council and its partners are working hard to adapt to both the changing local and regional employment market and also the needs of the Bradford community.

“Through schemes we commissioned through the Transition Fund the Council provided in last year’s Budget, we have been able to try to wrap around the Government’s training and other schemes for the unemployed to meet local needs.

“We are talking to a number of people about whether studio schools can fit into that configuration, and also talking to training providers – including all three colleges and the private sector – to make sure that the training we offer to residents of Bradford district reflects the employment and economic opportunities being created in Bradford.”

He adds: “The important thing for us is that the outcomes from the training make sure people are not just on a merry-go-round, but there are employment opportunities at the end of it, or self-employment opportunities, because there are a lot of people who want help and support to establish their own business. We are trying to offer a real mix so there is something for everybody.”