| News>South West College Opens £9m Technology and Skills Centre |
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20 young chefs celebrated their graduation from the Junior Chefs’ Academy programme at South West College Enniskillen Campus on Saturday 5th December.
People 1st the sector skills council for the hospitality and tourism industry has partnered with Compass Group UK and Ireland, part of the world’s largest catering company to build the skills of future young chefs through the Junior Chefs’ Academy. The programme is currently funded by the Department for Employment and Learning (DEL) and is an industry led initiative supported locally by The Institute of Hospitality, the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Safefood and City and Guilds. |
The 20 graduates aged 12 to 16 came from a range of local schools including; St. Eugenes college, St. Francheas, St Michaels, Portora Royal School, Fivemiletown High School, Mount Lourdes, Erne Integrated College, St. Aidans and St. Comghalls college. All participants attended South West College’s Enniskillen Campus along with their friends and family and were presented with medals and certificates by guest of honour and Junior Chefs’ Academy supporter, Glen Wheeler, Head Chef Mc Neans Bistro, Noel McMeel, Executive Head Chef Lough Erne Golf Resort Hotel, Martin Murphy, Chef Compass, Roisin McKee, People 1sr, Joe Byrne, Safe Food.
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“I want to commend People 1st on the success of the Junior Chefs’ Academy. The Hospitality Sector is very important to the economy of Northern Ireland and the Junior Chefs’ Academy is part of the Departmental Future Skills Action Plan. I wish everyone associated with the programme every success for the future.”
Sir Reg Empey
Minister for Employment & Learning |
Enniskillen Campus Manager Leo Murphy said, “I would really like to thank the parents and teachers of the students involved for supporting this initiative. Events like this encourage young graduates to consider professional catering courses and hopefully a position in the hospitality industry locally”.
Over a 10 week period on Saturday mornings the young boys and girls learned about basic cookery whilst creating fresh dishes and gained knowledge on nutrition, hygiene, health and safety, team work, communication skills and an appreciation of real food and healthy eating.
All this hard work culminated in a graduation event when the young people cooked a special lunch for family, friends and key sponsors at the College Campus. |
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Further Information |
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Clair McKenna |
028 8225 5229 |
clair.mckenna@swc.ac.uk |
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External Links |
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