Top employers and chefs from Cornwall’s hospitality sector have delivered a week-long line-up of demonstrations and masterclasses to inspire the next generation at Truro and Penwith College.
Paul Ainsworth, Rick Stein Group, Michael Caines Collection, St Austell Brewery, Watergate Bay Hotel, Healeys and Flying Fish Seafoods were just some of the twenty employers serving up the mouth-watering sessions.
The annual ‘Employer Week’ was organised by tutors and the college’s Hospitality Table Cornwall project. The week was designed to inspire students while increasing awareness of the varied careers in the sector and raising aspirations as they rub shoulders with some of the biggest names in the industry.
One of the highlights of the week was a visit from Paul Ainsworth and his group executive chef John Walton, who were joined by Flying Fish Seafoods to deliver an entire day of fish masterclasses, using some of the best produce Cornwall has to offer.
Emily, a hospitality and catering student at Penwith College, said: “I’ve learnt how simple a dish can be and how a few simple ingredients can make a Michelin Star Dish.
“You see the chefs on tele but it’s different when they come and cook for you, they make a real effort to make you feel like you can do what they have done”.
Continuing the theme of fine Cornish fish, Nick Evans, head chef lecturer at Rick Stein’s Cookery School, took over the kitchen for his mussel, scallop and mackerel masterclass. Chef Debbie Thorpe offered a unique insight into foraging, freshly picking and preparing all of her ingredients for her demonstration, the Headland Hotel and Spa hosted an afternoon tea masterclass and Cornish Coffee helped students get hands on with barista skills.
Mark Lewin, training and development consultant at the college, commented: “A huge thank you to the chefs and employers for offering students an incredible opportunity to hone their skills. The experiences will stay with them throughout their training and well beyond as they embark on careers in the sector.”
