The first cohort of Catering Club participants who have completed the project have ‘graduated’ at a special event hosted by Wolves Foundation at Molineux.
The Catering Club is a ten week programme offering a balance of learning theory with practical kitchen-based sessions at Molineux for people aiming to gain in a foothold in the food and hospitality industry.
Delivered in partnership with City of Wolverhampton College and the Department for Work and Pensions, and funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority, successful participants qualify with a Level 2 qualification.
The course is also delivered thanks to strong support from the club’s hospitality providers Levy and Wolves head chef Luke Hitchins, who was on hand to help hand out the certificates at the graduation in WV1.
Amongst the many different enrichments on the course including keynote speakers and targeted employability sessions, the first cohorts also enjoyed a session led by Leon Challis-Davies, the culinary director for Eat Wild, also attended by Wolves Foundation ambassador and chef influencer Mitch Lane.
The learning theory to balance the practical sessions was led by Megan Nunn from City of Wolverhampton College.
“The first two Catering Club cohorts have been such a joy to lead,” says Sarah-Louise Evans, senior employability officer for the Foundation who heads up the project for the club’s official charity.
“So many different ages, backgrounds and personalities have made for a memorable journey with skills built and friendships forged.
“The beauty of Catering Club is that the participants gain not just a Level 2 qualification and a pathway into work, but they also get the option to build confidence, social skills and have lots of fun.
“The opportunities created and special guest sessions have been unforgettable, and our deepest thanks must go to Chefs Luke, Leon and Mitch, along with the invaluable support from City of Wolverhampton College, DWP and West Midlands Combined Authority.”
At the end of the course, all successful participants are guaranteed at least an interview across a variety of different employers, including not just Levy but also Medicine Bakery, Dunstall Park Racecourse, Endeavour Restaurants, the Pomegranate Cafe and a range of small local businesses.
“It has been an absolute pleasure to deliver a range of cooking masterclasses covering subjects including chicken butchery, fish butchery, sustainability and food waste reduction,” says Hitchins.
“Not to mention being able to invite Leon to lead one of the mornings, supported by Mitch, for a practical session about all things conservation, the British countryside and sustainable eating.
“It has been a really groundbreaking and innovative programme where the participants have progressed from either none or very little catering experience to being able to feel comfortable whilst cooking in a professional kitchen.
“The graduation event provided the perfect opportunity to celebrate their achievements with their families, and we are all looking forward to seeing where their qualification takes them in the future.”
The Foundation already enjoy a strong relationship with City of Wolverhampton College through the Football & Education College Academy, and Catering Club has strengthened that understanding.
Lorna Prosser, curriculum manager for community, education, employability and ESOL at the college, said: "The first Catering Club has been a real success and those taking part have developed a range of skills and knowledge that will be invaluable when pursuing professional careers in the catering and hospitality industry, as well as when preparing meals to be eaten with their families and friends.
"We are extremely proud of the partnership between the three organisations and are looking forward to rolling out the programme to the next cohort of participants in the autumn."
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.
Click here for more information or to apply for a future course.
