Member Article

Cooking up a new career

Catering students from across Sunderland could soon be cooking up a new career with help from two of the city’s leading organisations.

A special work experience scheme, in partnership between Sunderland College and SAFC subsidiary, 1879 Events Management, is being launched to offer practical experience to students on the college’s wide range of catering and hospitality courses.

As part of the scheme, groups of around 12 aspiring chefs, restaurateurs and hospitality managers will be given the opportunity to work temporarily at the Stadium of Light, where 1879 Events Management caters for a wide range of corporate and private events.

While there they’ll be given hands on experience in variety of roles, ranging from food preparation and service to administration and kitchen duties.

Those who impress during their work experience may also be offered further training and future employment opportunities with 1879 Events Management, which also manages catering and hospitality at the National Glass Centre, Sunderland and for a wide range of external functions.

Darren Grey, Chef Supervisor at Sunderland College, said: “Sunderland College is absolutely committed to helping its students fulfil their ambition.

“We believe that the partnership with 1879 Events Management will help enhance that and further develop our catering

The work experience scheme, which will be open to students on a catering-related course at Sunderland College, was successfully trialled earlier this month with a dozen students working alongside the 1879 team.

Elliot Welsh, who was one of the first participants, said: “The interview process was rather nerve racking but as it went on, I felt more at ease. The experience from working with 1879 will offer a better insight into how other companies operate and what is needed going forward.”

Starting in September the scheme will be an on-going part of the Sunderland College curriculum, with a new crop of students working alongside 1879 Events Management on a rolling basis.

All students taking part will be asked to attend an interview and undergo an in-depth induction, covering health and safety, job requirements and ground regulations, offering them a detailed insight into a catering career.

David Moses, General Manager of 1879 Events Management, said: “We’re really excited about the future of this new scheme with Sunderland College. Not only will it offer students hands-on work experience, but it will also give us the opportunity to find some exciting new talent.

“The partnership is part of a wider strategy for both 1879 Events Management and Sunderland College. We fully believe that it will be of great benefit to both parties and look forward to further collaboration.”

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