A taste of success for Middlesbrough College students

TALENTED catering and hospitality students from Middlesbrough College have cooked up a storm winning an array of national competitions.

The students – on courses ranging from Level 2 to degree level – have won a number of prestigious awards in culinary competitions across the country.

Three have even been offered full-time positions in world-class restaurants as a result.

A group of eight students won the ‘Team Award for Outstanding Flavours’ at The Heat Competition 2018 in Jersey and were awarded each with a one-year membership to the Craft Guild of Chefs.

The students were also invited to an all-expenses paid meal at Bohemia, a Michelin star restaurant.

The Heat 2018 competition took place in March and the team was led by chef Frances Atkins.

Frances – one of only six female Michelin starred chefs in the UK – has worked with the College since 2015, where she regularly delivers masterclasses and ensures aspiring chefs achieve the highest professional standards.

Students Daniel Gibson, Alicia Livingstone, Trudy Youngs and Bill Rose were the commis chefs and Stephen Johnson, Adam Harrington, Phoebe Garcia and Alan Taylor were the front of house team for the Heat Competition.

The team prepared and served five dishes that were judged by four top chefs in the UK catering industry at the Highlands Academy Restaurant. The front of house students were also judged on their level of service.

Two students, Phoebe Garcia and Adam Harrington, who are studying Level 2 Food and Beverage service, impressed the event sponsor Ormer and were both offered full-time positions in the restaurant.

Bill Rose, a Level 3 Professional Cookery student also secured a full time position at The Yorke Arms after impressing head chef Frances Atkins throughout the competition.

In addition to the Level 3 student’s success, gifted higher education students, Caitlin Greer and Daniel Hodgson (FdA Culinary Arts Management) and Megan Overfield (FdA Hospitality Management) gained a place in the coveted semi-finals of the Nestle Toque d’or.

The students cooked and served a three course meal and won £500 to spend at Russums, a catering equipment supplier.

Molly Shaher, the Catering and Hospitality course leader, said: “I am very proud of the students for what they have achieved.

“Industry competitions are a chance for our students to showcase themselves to potential employers and it’s great to hear that so many have secured employment following their success.”

As well as celebrating her student’s achievements, Molly has had a fantastic year of success.

She was recently awarded the PACE (Professional Association for Catering Education) 2018 Gold Award for Higher Education and has become the Chair for PACE.

Following on from the department’s recent success, Middlesbrough College was granted £70,574 from Savoy Educational Trust, a charitable trust that aims to advance and develop education, training and qualifications within the hospitality industry.

Molly added: “We are delighted to have won the money from Savoy Educational Trust.

“The money will be used towards developing the Confectionary, Patisserie and Butchery facilities and equipment at College.

“This funding will support present and future students gaining additional skills in these sectors that have a shortage.”