Restaurant owner and chef Derek Flanagan said at the moment the restaurant has four apprentices and three trainees, which make up for three quarters of its staff.

"They have all been set up from a blank canvas ... (and are) extremely productive," Derek said.

But receiving the award was unexpected for him and the staff and he said it was "excellent" and an honour to be recognised.

The trainees and apprentices are given opportunities to go further in the industry giving them more paths to follow.

One of the apprentice chefs, Ryan Darby, will be going to Europe soon as a commis chef to extend his experiences and training.

Derek believed it would benefit apprentices a lot more to go overseas, as the system is better in comparison to Australia.

Two other apprentices will also be sent to a pastry course to further their skills.

Derek hoped to continue to employ young apprentices and trainees and said he believed in giving kids a chance.

He believed "fantastic trainees and apprentices, fresh stock and the guys having a passion for it" were the most important things of keeping a good business.