Catering and hospitality students from Newtown have been rubbing shoulders with some of the best in the business while working in professional kitchens at a top golfing venue.
The students from NPTC’s Newtown college campus were working in kitchens and front of house at Cottrell Park in the Vale of Glamorgan.
The NPTC students helped out at the latest Chefs’ Forum event - a prestigious industry event for professional Welsh chefs to network, meet suppliers and share best practice.
Drinks and canapes were prepared by students and award-winning Spiros fine-dining caterers and were followed by a butchery demonstration by Colin Harries of Castell Howell who showcased ‘feather blade’ and fillet cuts of Celtic Pride beef sourced from local farms.
NPTC Group student, 18 year-old Robbie Lang, impressed Colin so much he was a lucky winner of a day’s work experience at Castell Howell’s cutting plant at Crosshands in Llanelli.
Sprios’ head chef, Antonio, also gave a cookery demonstration and, for those who were up for a golfing challenge, there was the chance to pull on the golf shoes and head out on to the greens.
Catherine Farinha, Chefs’ Forum founder, said: “It is great to hear so much positive feedback on the work of the students here today. The Chefs’ Forum is all about giving opportunities to the next generation of chefs and I think everyone would agree that today was a great opportunity for them.
Senior lecturer Mandy Carter accompanied the students from NPTC Group of College and said: “The Chefs’ Forum gives students and staff the opportunity to network with chefs working in Wales and staff and students from other colleges.
“From this event our students have been offered the chance to go to Castell Howell’s meat cutting plant and Robbie Land has been offered work experience with a large event caterers based in Cardiff with the possibility of it leading to paid employment. The Chefs’ Forum is important in helping us to forge strong links with industry.”
If you’re interested in a career in catering or hospitality visit www.nptcgroup.ac.uk for more details.
