TWO students have tasted success at Langtree Park thanks to the partnership between the Saints and St Helens College.
Jordanne Atherton and Ben Nikolls impressed professionals in the kitchen at Langtree Park during work experience which they undertook as part of their Professional Cookery course programme.
The on the job portion of their course aims to develop their skills within a real environment, with students learning how to work under pressure, within set time scales and to a high standard.
Jordanne and Ben were at Langtree Park during the busy festive period preparing for Christmas functions and parties.
The pair not only supported a busy team baking scones, pies and chocolate tarts but also worked front of house waiting on.
They’ve now completed an NVQ Level 2 in Professional Cookery and are studying towards their Level 3 qualification at the College. It provides students with work experience to increase employability, skills and knowledge within the catering industry.
Jordanne, 19, a former Sutton High pupil from Warrington, enrolled at St Helens College to improve her employment prospects and to gain the qualifications and skills necessary to succeed as a chef.
“I enrolled onto the Level 2 programme hoping to kick start my career in cookery,” he said. “I enjoyed the course so much I decided to enrol onto the Level 3 programme to increase my chances of securing full-time employment within the industry.
“The course has opened up many doors for me and being offered a job in such a high class venue is a dream come true. I hope to continue learning, gain more work experience and hopefully be able to travel overseas during my career.”
Ben, 17, a former St Edmund Arrowsmith High School pupil from Ashton, hoped to develop his skills, confidence and knowledge by enrolling onto the programme.
And he is already gaining valuable work experience after securing employment within a local Tapas bar in his home town.
He says: “The course has given me the skills set required to progress in a career in catering. I feel more confident thanks to the valuable work experience I have undertaken since joining the college. I now not only have a range of skills which I can transfer into the working world but I have developed the ability to work under pressure, to tight deadlines and as part of a team. I would really recommend the college and course.”
Head of Sales and Marketing at St Helens RFC, Dave Hutchinson added: “Through our partnership we were delighted to help both Jordanne and Ben. They really impressed us during their work experience and Langtree Park and we’re sure they will continue to enhance their skills in the future.
“Already the partnership between the club and the college is reaping rewards and we look forward to continuing and developing the relationship.”
You can find out more information about Professional Cookery courses at St Helens College by calling 0800 99 66 99 or visiting www.sthelens.ac.uk
