No whisk, no reward…Wolves Foundation participants are being given the opportunity to study for a catering and hospitality qualification thanks to a new project delivered with funding from the West Midlands Combined Authority.
The ‘Catering Club’ is a ten-week programme delivered in partnership with the City of Wolverhampton College, offering a balance of learning theory with practical kitchen-based sessions at Molineux for those wishing to gain a foothold in the industry.
Those enrolled on the course are studying for a Level 2 qualification and gaining valuable insight and experience, including targeted employability sessions and keynote speakers, which can help prepare for a career within the catering and hospitality industry.
Participants can be referred on from the DWP (Department of Work & Pensions), whilst some have been signposted from other Foundation initiatives and employability programmes such as the Foundation Futures Hub and success surgeries.
“The course covers so many different areas involved in catering and hospitality such as kitchen hygiene, health and safety and general employability skills,” says Sarah Louise Evans, Senior Employability Officer with Wolves Foundation.
“Our first two cohorts are really enjoying it so far, both learning the theory and also the practical cooking sessions.
“This has included wonderfully-titled sessions such as ‘Butchery and Bhuna’, ‘Churros Carousels’ and ‘quintessential afternoon tea with quiche and cake’, with more exciting recipes still to come over the next few weeks.
“It has been great to link up with the City of Wolverhampton College, who are the tutors of the course and already have strong links with us here at the Foundation.
“We are also hugely appreciative of the support of Luke Hitchens, the head chef from Wolves’ retail partners Levy, who is such a strong advocate for the Foundation and has led on the delivery of the practical sessions.
“And Levy UK are among the different organisations who are offering opportunities for interview for those who complete the course.”
Lorna Prosser, curriculum manager, community, education, employability and ESOL at the college, said: "The partnership between the college and Wolves Foundation is a recipe for success!
"Through the scheme, participants gain a range of practical cookery skills and a recognised qualification which employers in the sector look for, as well as a guaranteed interview with companies with vacancies for hospitality staff.
"We are extremely grateful to the support of the Foundation and our tutors in delivering the course and to local employers for giving participants a stepping stone to securing jobs in the industry."
All participants who do gain the qualification are guaranteed an interview with one of a range of hospitality providers, a group including not just Levy but also Medicine Bakery, Dunstall Park Racecourse, Endeavour Restaurants and a range of small local businesses.
“There is that potential pathway to employment in place for those who are successful on the course, and we will be continuing to check in with them after they have ‘graduated’ to provide further guidance if required,” adds Sarah.
Catering Club forms part of the Economic Prosperity & Employment pillar of the Foundation’s five-year strategy, as well as Stronger Together in terms of the partnership with the funder, West Midlands Combined Authority, and joint provider, City of Wolverhampton College.
The College are promoting Catering Club as part of their Into Employment programme, and the first two cohorts are due to graduate in August.
Click here for more information or to apply for a future course.
