Training the future of hospitality in Warwickshire

Pupils from a Rugby school, received a unique insight into the hospitality business as they took part in a ‘kitchen takeover’ at a Rugby College’s new catering and hospitality centre last month (February 2019).

The College welcomed thirty Year 8 pupils from Avon Valley School to take part in a ‘kitchen takeover’ as part of a series of events organised by ‘My Hospitality World’ in partnership with Q-Hotels, The Eden Group, The Careers & Enterprise Company, Proactive Education and Warwickshire County Council, which took place around Warwickshire to promote careers within the catering and hospitality industry.

My Hospitality World Warwickshire is an initiative supported by ‘First Dates’ Restaurant Manager Fred Sirieix, and ran from Wednesday 27 February to Tuesday 5 March 2019, whereby throughout the week the hospitality industry opened their doors to attract new talent.

Under the direction of Catering lecturer Karen Stevenson from Royal Leamington Spa College, pupils were given a demo and required to prep a high tea along with a variety of other tasks.

Group Vice Principal Curriculum at Rugby College, Neil Coker, said: “It’s great to see that we were able to inspire young people and make them aware of the breadth of career opportunities available in the catering and hospitality.

“There is a real concern around the lack of new talent joining the catering industry within Warwickshire, so we were delighted to support the initiative by My Hospitality World and also showcase the new professional catering offer in Rugby that will start in September this year.”

Lisa Owen an Achievement Leader & Careers Lead, who attended the event from for Avon Valley School, said: “The event provided students with a great insight into the hospitality industry. Our students really enjoyed making a cream tea and several parents have been pleasantly surprised at the skills their children have demonstrated afterwards.”