Tasting success - Junior Chefs celebrate at Limavady Campus

Pictured at the NWRC Junior Chef Graduation are: (front l-r) Sinead McLaughlin, Georgia Ritchie, Eimear McKeown, Claire Scott, Zoe Peoples, (middle l-r) Martin Getty and Kerry Scullion Classic Wine Bar: Stanley and Marie Mathews Lime Tree Limavady; College Principal Seamus Murphy, Limavady Campus Manager, Norah Canny (back l-r) Lecturer Barbara McGrath, Jill Diana Young, Dylan Kyle, Henrik McGill, Claire Feeney, Rachel Mackey, lecturer Bernie Peoples and Head of School Karen McLaughlin.

Learning how to cook a range of dishes and desserts in the fully equipped kitchen and restaurant at the Main Street Campus, the ten 14-16 year olds attended each Saturday for ten weeks, and then treated friends and family to a meal they prepared for the graduation event in the professional kitchen.

The Junior Chefs’ Academy is held annually in the local campus and is organised by sector skills council People 1st, and funded by Compass Group UK and Ireland. It has been delivered at NWRC since 2009 and over 500 young people have graduated from the Junior Chefs’ Academy across Northern Ireland. This group were inspired by local chefs and restaurateurs Martin Getty and Kerry Scullion of The Classic, and Stanley and Marie Mathews of the Lime Tree, who attended the graduation meal.

Head of School Karen McLaughlin explained how important the programme has been for the participants: “We see this as an opportunity for our young people to acquire new skills and open career possibilities in the Hospitality and Tourism industry. Learners can progress from our College with essential cookery skills but just as importantly, confidence, ability to work with others and a new sense of initiative for anything they may do in the future. We are delighted that our Junior Chefs now receive an accredited qualification and this certificate recognises their hard work and achievement.”

North West Regional College has developed a reputation for excellence in Hospitality and Catering, most recently with Curriculum Manager Leyonia Davey being named as the UK’s Best Hospitality Lecturer. The lecturers at the Limavady Campus are now delighted to be once again offering full-time study in Hospitality and Catering for post-GCSE students, and those wishing to make a return to education to retrain in this industry. The professional kitchen and restaurant at Main Street provides learners with the opportunity to gain their practical skills and work with the public. Applications are now open for the NVQ Level 1 and Level 2 courses for entry in September 2013 at www.nwrc.ac.uk.