Young culinary talent cook up a storm for Minister for Economy

Cardiff and Vale College played host to some of the best young culinary talent in the country who battled it out in a series of Skills Competition Wales Hospitality and Catering finals.

Economy Minister, Ken Skates also called in to see the budding chefs compete.

The Skills Competition Wales contests were held in CAVC’s The Classroom restaurant, managed by the Inspiring Skills Excellence in Wales project and co-ordinated by Cambrian Training. The College also hosted Hospitality demonstrations for by WorldSkills UK squad members and ‘Have a Go’ sessions to engage with other College students.

The Minister was taken around the Advanced Patisserie and Confectionary and Advanced Culinary Arts finals being held in The Classroom’s two kitchens, and the Advanced Restaurant Service finals in the restaurant itself.

He was also shown the WorldSkills UK demonstrations in the College Bakery and the ‘Have a Go’ demonstrations in the City Centre Campus Atrium.

CAVC Deputy Principal Sharon James said: “It was a pleasure to welcome the Economy Minister Ken Skates to the College to see some of the best young culinary talent in Wales. Skills Competition Wales is a hub of skills activities that showcases career options and life-changing experiences for young learners who can go on to compete nationally and internationally.

“Skills Competition Wales coming to Cardiff and Vale College provided an excellent opportunity to show the Minister the excellent and ground-breaking work that Further Education institutions do in preparing the young people of Wales for the world of work.”

Economy Minister, Ken Skates said: “It was pleasure to attend this Skills Competition Wales event and see some of our future culinary stars battling it out. Events like these enable our young people to showcase their skills, operate in a competitive environment and develop the experience and resilience that will help them to excel in their future careers. 

“It is so important to celebrate the talents of our high achievers and to encourage and enable them to compete on a UK, national or even international level.”