Budding young chefs have cooked up a treat for their school head teachers at Edinburgh College, learning in a real restaurant environment as part of a scheme to bridge school, college, university and work.
The class of 15 students from the South East Scotland Academies Partnership (SESAP) Hospitality and Tourism Academy prepared and served a three-course meal for their head teachers at the college’s eh15 training restaurant. The meal was part of the students’ assessment on the course, which is preparing them for education and careers in hospitality and tourism.
SESAP is a partnership between Edinburgh College, Queen Margaret University, Borders College, West Lothian College, five local authorities and industry.
The ground-breaking initiative is hailed as one that is delivering real results for Scotland’s young people. In the last three years, the Academies project has given hundreds of young people aged 15 – 18 years of age, the opportunity to study at college and university, undertake work experience and learn about industry, whilst still at school. This initiative improves skills, highlights career options and improves employability whilst also helping to raise industry standards.
Teachers from schools including Broughton High, James Gillespies, Portobello High and St. Thomas of Aquins were welcomed with canapes and sparkling wine and treated to fishcakes or salmon for starter, a Balmoral chicken main and a trio of sweet desserts.
Courtney Horsburgh, one of the students from Musselburgh Grammar School said: “The night went so well. We’ve never experienced having so many people in the restaurant before so it was a big challenge and I’m really proud of how well we worked as a team. Getting such amazing comments from the teachers made it extra special.”
Jennifer Bingham, Hospitality and Tourism Academy Coordinator, said: “It’s really great to see the students develop good kitchen and front of house skills so quickly. Working in the training restaurant at Edinburgh College is an excellent way for them to learn and they enjoy experiencing all the different roles associated with the restaurant. The opportunity to work as part of a team and deliver an event, gives them a sense of achievement and satisfaction.
“The evening was a great way for guidance and head teachers to see how far the students had come in such a short time on the Academy programme and it’s very rewarding to see how they have grown in confidence.
“We are delighted that many of our Academy students have developed a real passion for the industry and now aim to pursue related courses at Edinburgh College or Queen Margaret University.”
The Hospitality and Tourism Academy students will be preparing and serving three course meals in the college’s Eh15 Restaurant on Tuesday evenings at 5pm during term time. These are priced at just £7.50. To book visit http://www.resdiary.com/Restaurant/eh15 or contact the restaurant on 0131 344 7344 or email eh15@edinburghcollege.ac.uk
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