College Recruits for Colonel’s Ranks at KFC

A unique recruitment service run by Preston’s College has helped to secure jobs for 18 local people across three KFC restaurants in Preston and Blackpool.

Kout Food Group’s (KFG) people capability coach, Gary Mather, approached The Job Zone on Winckley Square to help it source part-time and full-time staff for his fast-food outlets on Fishergate, Britain’s first KFC restaurant, Port Way on the Docks and Bank Hey Street in Blackpool.

The city-centre job matching service works with local people aged 18+ who are out of work and provides training and help with the application and interview process.

As part of working with KFC, the Preston’s College team delivered environmental health and food hygiene training, which is a requirement of all restaurant staff, as well as mock interviews. Out of the 30 people who attended the assessment days, 18 were successful in receiving a job.

Gary said: “The level of candidates has really been great and the enthusiasm has been rewarding to see. The relationship we have built with Preston college is one that will continue to develop in the future.”

One new recruit, Gavin Ramage (27) from Preston, has already been promoted since joining KFC in March and is now working as a trained KFC cook.

Gavin said: “The course from the college was very professional and it has set me up for a career within KFC and catering.”

Pauline Hughes, all ages advisor at Preston’s College, added: “KFC and KFG has been a great employers to work with. Gary was really struggling to recruit and just relied on adverts displayed inside his restaurants. With our help, we were able to find and develop future talent with the right personal and technical skills needed for the roles available. Each candidate was fully prepped before their interview to remove any barriers and show off their full potential.

“KFC has a great company culture that really focusses on coaching and developing its team. They offer great progression opportunities, which is showcased with Gavin and we hope to see many more of our KFC stars moving up the ranks in the future.”