Over the past five years, the retailer has been developing their specialist craft and skill training academies to help colleagues gain more knowledge and learn traditional skills behind the counters.
Pioneered by craft and skill manager, Colin Porter, and his team of operational trainers, Mark, David, KJ, Toni and Vanessa, Booths has seen the launch of their Butchers, Fishmongers and Cheese Academies.
Booths Butchery Academy (Image: Booths)
Open to colleagues across all 25 of their North West based stores, each training programme consists of six learning sets which colleagues take part in over 20 weeks alongside their regular working hours.
Booths said the academies are designed to help staff develop commercial expertise such as ordering, displays and how to improve sales as well as teaching them skills, such as ‘thinking like a chef', to help improve customer experience at the counters.
A Booths spokesperson said: “Whether it's giving cooking tips, recipe recommendations or advice on which products to choose, colleagues leave the academy well equipped to offer a fantastic service to all Booths customers.”
Kate Emerson Brown, Cheese Academy graduate said, “I really enjoyed being part of the academy, it helped me gain more knowledge and grow my confidence when it came to serving suggestions and the different ways to cook with cheese.
“My favourite part since graduating has been creating new seasonal displays and tastings for customers to enjoy, it's lovely to see everyone taking photos and buying the cheeses that are showcased.”
Kate Emerson Brown, Cheese Academy graduate (Image: Booths)
Fish Academy Graduate, Jack Hewitt, said: “I have a passion for learning new skills and applying myself to new challenges.
“I'm definitely a foodie person so having the opportunity to learn more about fish and the amazing meals that can be created has been one of my favourite experiences as I wouldn't normally go for fish but since being on the academy that has 100 per cent changed.â€
Booths has stores across Cumbria including in Kendal, Keswick, Windermere and Kirkby Lonsdale.
