NKC Culinary Academy and Hospitality & Events Management students experience working life

On Tuesday 12th November, students from the North Kent College Culinary Academy at Gravesend campus, were fortunate to have General Manager Daniel Sharpe and Sales Manager Alicia Murton from the Holiday Inn Bexley present a workshop on working in hospitality and catering.

Daniel Sharpe, a North Kent College Alum imparted a wealth of information and advice on working in the industry; discussing the positives and addressing misconceptions as well as telling his own personal career since leaving the College. Daniel is interested in working with students from his old college and supporting their development into the industry by opening their eyes to the different career paths ahead of them.

Daniel and Alicia have been working closely with the Business Development team at the College and alongside these valuable class talks they have provided our Hospitality and Events Management students with Industry Placements on their front desk and within the Food and Beverages department of the hotel also. Placements last approximately 45 days and provide students with invaluable experience in the workplace, putting the skills they learn at college into practice.

The management team from the Holiday Inn Bexley said “North Kent College is helping to shape the next generation of hoteliers, whether they wish to run the Food & Beverage department, be the next Housekeeping Manager, Head Chef of their own kitchen or even a General Manager. It was a pleasure to be able to share our experiences with the students and help them make decisions on which career path they would like to follow. We are honoured that the College invited us to talk to Culinary Academy students and hope that we can continue working very closely together in the years to come.”

Duncan Weetman, Curriculum Manager for Catering said “I would like to thank Daniel, Alicia and the Holiday Inn for their continued support of our students across our hospitality and catering curriculum areas. This support, whether placements or class talks are an integral part of our students’ education and will assist them in becoming the next generation of professionals.”

Whilst Employer Relationship Officer Julia Edwards stated, “We are very grateful to Daniel and the Holiday Inn for their openness to work with our students and for the many opportunities being provided.”