Nelson and Colne College’s Catering department are proving they have the recipe for success after scooping another prestigious award.
The NCC team picked up the Employer Engagement prize (Further Education) at the glittering Educate North Awards ceremony at the Hilton, in Deansgate, on Thursday.
On the night, it was said “judges were impressed by the engagement with the community that [the Nelson and Colne College] application demonstrated”.
Curriculum Leader for Catering and Hospitality Jason Benn said: “We are absolutely thrilled that our work with local employers has been recognised at the fantastic Educate North Awards. The evening was a real celebration of the work of Colleges and Universities up and down the country, and we are delighted that NCC was victorious in the highly competitive Employer Engagement category.
“We work with a number of local employers, including the award-winning Seafood Pub Company, Burnley FC, and The Grand, in Clitheroe, to provide our students with real life experience and prepare them for their future.
“Thanks to all our partners and the local community for supporting our students and ensuring that they are ready to enter the bustling world of Catering upon leaving College. We look forward to working with them over the coming years to help more students achieve their dream job.”
The latest award comes after the Catering team recently celebrated a triple triumph – winning an award, gaining a Highly Commended prize and being named as a finalist in two award ceremonies on the same night. The department won the Partnership with Industry category at the Professional Association for Catering Education (PACE) Awards in London, while Mark Taft was awarded Highly Commended for Best Chef Lecturer. They were also named as a finalist in the Skills Provider category of the Red Rose Awards, in Blackpool.
The Educate North Awards is a high profile event which celebrates, recognises and shares best practice and excellence in the education sector in the North. It is staged by Carm Productions, working in partnership with Prolific North and Don’t Panic Event Management.
This year saw 250 guests in attendance and award winning broadcaster and producer Rob McLoughlin as the event host. Nelson and Colne College was also shortlisted for the Student Experience Award for its Pre-professional Programmes – innovative, targeted courses in fields such as Medicine and Journalism, which students can take alongside their regular studies.
Students who have completed a Catering course at NCC have gone on to achieve great success, including Dan Wright – who began working for Heston Blumenthal at the Hind’s Head in Berkshire upon leaving College.
There are a broad range of careers in the Catering and Hospitality sector in hotels, restaurants, the NHS, education and more! To start your Catering journey with NCC visit www.nelson.ac.uk or contact 01282 440272.
