Activate Learning Hospitality and Catering students attend unique butchery masterclass with Absolute Taste

Absolute Taste, who provide catering for world renowned events such as the British F1 Grand Prix, Wimbledon and the Masters, welcomed 16 Professional Cookery Level 3 Technical Diploma students into their kitchens for a charcuterie masterclass, the first of a series of tailored masterclasses.

The esteemed catering company are working in partnership with Activate Learning, engaging students from Banbury and Bicester College and City of Oxford College within their workplace.

This unique partnership with Absolute Taste will see students gaining experience in butchery, bakery and private jet dining over the course of the programme.

Emma Hewitt, Hospitality and Catering teacher at Banbury and Bicester College said: “Absolute Taste did an amazing job of the first masterclass with my students. They were very welcoming and made the students feel at ease. The whole day was fun and inspiring for both students and staff.

“Lots of knowledge and skills were gained in a short period of time. Each student left feeling excited and they are now looking forward to going back for the second masterclass in January 2019,” she added.

The project aims to engage students in world-class settings, allowing them to be mentored and trained alongside professional chefs in a fast-paced and working environment.

Nick Holt, chef at Absolute Taste, said: “It was a fantastic day working alongside the Activate Learning students. They were all so passionate about the industry and I can see that they aspire to go far.”

Students spent the morning of Tuesday 16 October touring the Absolute Taste headquarters before partaking in a charcuterie masterclass.

In the afternoon, they joined Aldens Specialist Catering Butchers to witness a butchery masterclass, co-delivered with Absolute Taste. Students were then given a chance to practice their butchery skills individually and get feedback on their work. 

Amy Davis, student at Banbury and Bicester College said: “Our visit to Absolute Taste was a great opportunity. I didn’t know what to expect and I had an amazing time.

“I learnt a lot and came away with lots of ideas. I especially enjoyed hearing about other chef’s experiences and how they achieved their own goals in life. I am looking forward to our next trip.”

Students will continue to have the opportunity to finesse their skillset, with their course including more project-based learning via masterclasses, menu-writing and frequent site visits to hospitality and catering companies across Oxfordshire.

If you would like to know more about catering programmes available at Activate Learning, please visit our website or contact us on 0800 612 6008.

Activate Learning is a forward-thinking education group working across further and higher education, schools, apprenticeships and training. We transform lives through learning.