Employers from the local hospitality industry were welcomed to a special launch event to celebrate the refurbishment of the college’s training restaurant. They were treated to a delicious meal and a warm welcome from staff and students from the Catering and Hospitality department in Taste last week.
Showcasing quality skills
Chef tutors Ian Matthews and Simon Ashton worked with students to create a stunning selection of delicious canapés, and a mouth-wateringly good hot buffet. Guests sampled the high quality food created in the training kitchens. Hospitality students greeted and served the guests. The students were all keen to make a good impression on the potential employers in the room.
Curriculum operations manager, Sarah Heeley and the manager of Taste, Caleb Wilkes welcomed guests and settled them into the new-look restaurant. They spent time chatting to guests; explaining how college is preparing catering and hospitality students for future careers in the industry. They also highlighted how the training restaurant is a key part of allowing students the opportunity to develop their skills.
During the evening employers and the college team discussed how they could work together to develop their workforce. They spent time exploring how to shape the curriculum to ensure it meets the current needs of the sector.
Working in partnership to meet the needs of the hospitality sector
Mark Shaw, owner of Soulville Steakhouse, explained how much he had enjoyed the evening. He spoke about how he and his team were planning to come back to support student theme nights later in the year and why it was so important to build links with colleges. He said:
“It has always been important but now I think it is more important than ever. Places like this, where you meet people with an interest in food and cooking, who have ambition and want to make something of themselves in the hospitality industry are a great way to tap into upcoming talent. When you are served by someone who is enjoying themselves at work because they are in an environment they want to be in, it makes a huge difference to our business.”
Carmell Thompson, general manager from Soulville Steakhouse also added:
“It is also about the opportunities we can offer to students as well; like the training and real life work experience. So, we see it as a partnership.”
