The National Hospitality School in Telford has launched a new lunch club, giving its students the chance to showcase their talents.
The club, in Sir Stephen’s Brasserie at the Whitehouse Hotel, is staffed by level two professional cookery students from New College Telford.
It gives them a chance to demonstrate their skills and enthusiasm – and gives them valuable experience in a real-life setting.
Speaking at the launch, New College Telford’s acting principal Fiona O’Brien said: “The National Hospitality School provides outstanding hospitality training to both full-time and part-time students through New College Telford and The Whitehouse Hotel.
“The college purchased the hotel in 2013 to provide training in a real life working environment. Subsequently our Foundation Degree in events management, professional cookery and traineeship students have had opportunities to work alongside staff from the hotel.
“Since our professional cookery students joined us in 2014 they have made outstanding progress. Two of them were successful in winning the UK seafood competition this year, and another won young rotary chef of the year. I am extremely proud of them all.”
In September, first year students from the National Hospitality School will join the current trainee chefs to help at the lunch club.
The National Hospitality School is a national centre of excellence for the hospitality, tourism and leisure sectors, offering a full range of courses to cover every aspect of the industry, including customer service, business administration, front of house, events management, and catering.
Fiona O’Brien added: “The real-world work experience which our students receive in our four-star hotel enhances their employability as they leave us as fully work-ready individuals.
“We work hard to forge strong relationships with employers who can offer work placements, work experience and also a practical insight into the specific needs within the industry.
“We in turn are able to tailor our course offering to match these requirements.”