Rugby College expands cookery course as working as a chef becomes 'a more desirable profession'

Warwickshire’s restaurant and catering sector is set to receive a substantial boost following the expansion of Rugby College’s Professional Cookery course.
Course lecturer Alan Clark (left) and students from Rugby Colleges Professional Cookery course.Course lecturer Alan Clark (left) and students from Rugby Colleges Professional Cookery course.
Course lecturer Alan Clark (left) and students from Rugby Colleges Professional Cookery course.

The college, part of the WCG group, has seen an increase in demand for places on the course in recent months.

According to Sam Starvis, head of department at Rugby College, the rise in students enrolling on the course is indicative of an industry enjoying an extended period of growth.

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Mrs Starvis said: “In recent years attitudes to professional cooking have changed significantly.

“While cooking and waitering has always been viewed as a skilled profession on the continent, this has not always been the case in the UK.

“But as the catering sector continues to grow and diversify across the country, we are definitely starting to see a change in how the industry is perceived.

"It’s certainly becoming a more desirable profession.”

Rugby College currently offers Level 1 and Level 2 Diplomas in professional cookery.

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Level 1 covers units on food preparation methods and cookery, as well as looking at specific diets and an introduction into the catering industry.

Level 2 is aimed at students who have some experience as a chef and who want to gain a formal qualification and increase their skills to be able to take on a more senior role.

This qualification enables students to expand their knowledge of more technical cookery skills to develop more complex dishes.

Mrs Starvis said: “Our professional cookery courses allow students to express themselves and to be creative.

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"They will also have the chance to learn a range of skills which will prepare them for jobs in the restaurant and catering industry.

“The courses are an excellent pathway into the industry.

"I expect all of the students to pick up jobs over the Christmas period.

"It is a great way to apply the skills they have acquired at the college to a real-life catering environment.

“It also provides them with valuable first-hand experience of the kitchen and it also helps them to establish contacts for when they have graduated.”

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Students on the course also stand to benefit from the college’s new facilities - which were installed during the summer.

Three commercial kitchens, which are equipped to a professional standard, allow students to work in a real-life environment.

The college has also invested in a bespoke restaurant, which will be ready to welcome members of the public the New Year.

For more information on Food, Drink and Catering courses and apprenticeships at Rugby College, click here.

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