Awards recognise best training in hospitality and catering.

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The Annual Springboard Awards for Excellence in hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism were held at Londons Dorchester hotel last Friday. The Awards sponsored by companies such as Cadbury, American Express and ABTA were given out in 17 categories

Winners included Liverpool Marriot Hotel South and Canary Wharf Four Seasons Hotel who took away Education Awards and Crieff Hydro resort, Perthshire who won the Best Student Placement Award.

T he Young People award was given to Cornwall College for its work with trainee chefs at Jamie Oliver’s restaurant, Fifteen, in Cornwall.

Head of faculty, Don McKenzie said; “I was delighted to receive this award on behalf of the College and Fifteen, we were amongst such big national players. Springboard recognises excellence in this industry and it’s fantastic that our hard work, dedication and innovation has been recognised.”

The trainee chefs completed their NVQ1 in catering studies before being thrown into a four-week placement at the restaurant. For most of the students this was the first time they had worked in a professional kitchen.

Once the placement was completed they worked at the restaurant for 12 months learning about all aspects of the menu such as pasta making and pastry skills as well as continuing their studies at Cornwall College.

John Latham, Principal of Cornwall College said; “We work hard to forge links with industry, we want our students to have the skills and attributes that employers value, this national recognition indicates that this programme is one of the best in the country.”

Trafford College received the Best New initiative award for their World Class Service project. The project is a collaboration between hospitality employers, Trafford college and government agencies with the aim of providing Manchester’s tourism industry with highly trained staff. The project research team worked closely with the tourism industry to identify qualities which they looked for in employees.

Springboards mission is to educate people about careers and job opportunities in hospitality, leisure travel and tourism to meet the industrys staffing needs and the aspirations of potential recruits.

Anne Pierce, chief executive of Springboard, said: “I continue to be heartened by the initiatives employed by the industry to create a pool of talented staff of the highest calibre.

“The winners are an example of how our industry can continue to drive forward and grow by utilising a variety of innovative methods to ensure we continue to have a productive and diverse workforce.”

Marie Kemplay