Future Chef competition winners graduate from West Suffolk College cookery course
Monday 19 February 2024
Twelve talented young individuals aged 14-16 have completed their six week cookery course.
In 2023 the students won a competition and earned themselves fully funded placements on the Future Chef course.
Over the past six weeks, these budding chefs have honed their skills, mastered techniques, and cooked up a storm under the guidance of head chef Stuart Ascot, in the professional kitchen at West Suffolk College.
Friends and family were invited to celebrate the student’s completion of the course on Saturday 10 February. The event showcased how the youngsters have transformed into proficient cooks and provided them the opportunity to show off their new skills to their loved ones.
The Future Chef course is just one part of a wider programme called Choose Hospitality which was launched last year in partnership between West Suffolk Council and West Suffolk College’s Culinary Arts Academy. Choose Hospitality is designed to inspire and train a new generation of talent to support local hospitality businesses.
Cllr Indy Wijenayaka, cabinet member for growth at West Suffolk Council said, “It was wonderful to attend the celebration event and award the talented student’s their certificates after witnessing their dedication and attention to detail.
“It is great that West Suffolk Council is working in partnership with West Suffolk College to support the Choose Hospitality programme as the opportunity fosters creativity, teamwork, and confidence in children. The programme seeks to inspire and equip the next generation of talent to pursue rewarding careers within the hospitality industry, thereby fostering sustainable growth and thriving communities within the district.”
Assistant Principal of West Suffolk College, Debbie Coomes said, "The Choose Hospitality project is aimed at igniting a passion in young people for cooking and we are delighted to be part of the scheme.
"We hope that by being involved in this six week project and celebration event that the youngsters will take their passion and talent for cooking and use it in the future in a professional sense and potentially go on and become the next superstar chef like Tom Kerridge or Nadiya Hussain."
As part of its commitment to continue funding aspects of the Visitor Economy Network Initiative (VENI) Programme after European funding ends in December 2023, Eastern Education Group has confirmed a £10,000 grant for Choose Hospitality to continue in 2024.
An afternoon tea family engagement affair is scheduled for Saturday 23 March. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to produce, serve, and eat an array of afternoon tea delights, including savoury sausage rolls, classic sandwiches, and sumptuous brownies.