One of the first group of students to graduate from the £2.45m Hoxton Apprentice restaurant scheme, has been appointed commis chef at the exclusive London gentlemen’s club White’s.

12 months ago, Leon Seraphin, 24, was unemployed with no qualifications or previous catering experience.

In January this year, he became one of 10 pupils at the Hoxton Apprentice restaurant for trainee cooks in Shoreditch, east London, to begin a course in food, bar and restaurant management. Having graduated on 4 October, Seraphin will start at White’s immediately.

The St James’s club – which counts Prince William among its members – is one of the oldest gentlemen’s clubs in London.

The Hoxton Apprentice restaurant – dubbed ‘Prescott’s Pantry’ after receiving part financing from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister – was established by the London-based employment charity Training For Life in partnership with VT Plus Training, Compass, Whitbread, Shoreditch Our Way NDC and the London Development Agency.

The trainee restaurant intends to transform 100 long-term unemployed youngsters into top cooks every year.

Chief executive of Training For Life Gordon D’Silva said: “When we started this project, many people warned it was a risky venture for a charity with no restaurant experience. Today the Hoxton Apprentice is a massive success and is generating profits for Training For Life and apprentices like Leon are moving into quality, long-term employment.

“It proves what can be achieved when you bring together a dynamic new concept with young people who have the drive and determination to make their lives a success.”

Employment for the rest of the trainees is split – five have been given placements within Hoxton Apprentice itself, two will be employed by Goldman Sachs, one will take up a position at Benfield and one at the CBI. Details: www.hoxtonapprentice.com