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MasterChef delivers masterclass to catering students for charity
Catering students at South Essex College’s Thurrock campus were supported by Chef Director Ben Martin, to host a professional charity dinner in the Waves restaurant.
Last week, Ben worked with our talented catering students, who are enlisted in the Chef’s academy to create a gourmet two course meal for the guests.
Five students worked with Ben Martin to learn the best preparation and culinary techniques and gain insight into the fast paced nature of the hospitality environment.
At the end of the meal, guests were encouraged to pay what they felt the meal was worth, with all proceedings going towards The Little Haven Children’s Hospital.
Graeme Collie, Head of Commercial Catering said it was a fantastic opportunity for the students.
He said: “The event was our first charity pop up held as part of the Chefs Academy for our level 2 and 3 students and they learnt some valuable skills. We were so pleased to have Ben come to the college and give the students insight into the industry.”
Ben Martin, Chef Director of Cut + Grind burgers, said: "These events are a great way to engage the students and give them exposure to the wider industry. It is an opportunity to teach them skills that may not get covered in their curriculum and give them some restaurant service experience.
“I was really pleased with the students' level of enthusiasm, we served up some amazing food which was well received by the diners and raised some money for a deserving charity. Well done and thank you to all involved."
The event managed to raise a fantastic £225 which will go directly to the charity.
For more information about catering courses at the college, visit www.southessex.ac.uk
Success stories
Learning is ageless and I’ve really enjoyed being a student again and pushing myself to reach my potential
Mark Ganyu, from Stanford-le-Hope, studied HNC General Engineering at University Centre South Essex.
He was nominated for being a motivated, punctual, well-mannered, hardworking individual and for consistently maintaining his high standard performance since in his level 3 part-time engineering course four years ago.
His tutor said: “Mark’s work and performance have been exemplary and has exceeded expectations in the last four years whilst tending to family commitments, changing jobs and overcoming a language barrier. He has been an asset to this programme and we wish him all the success.”
Mark would recommend University Centre South Essex as a mature student as it helped him in many scenarios and was very flexible and supportive.
Mark commented on his nomination and said: “It was a complete surprise to be winning an award and makes me feel good. Learning is ageless and I’ve really enjoyed being a student again and pushing myself to reach my potential.”
“It’s a kind gesture from the awarding bodies and tutors to recognise my efforts and would like to thank them all for their dedication during my time at the university centre.”
Mark has aspirations of studying for a higher education degree course but may take his knowledge and skills to his current company, where he can continue accepting new challenges and opportunities.
I would highly recommended the university centre for its variety of different courses, professional and expert tutors, it is extremely well organised and student orientated.”
Aniku has carried off the HNC/HND Student of the Year award because of his excellent attitude towards learning.
He said: “It is an absolute honour to win this award and I'm humbled that my mentors/teachers think of me so highly.”
Aniku said he chose to study at University Centre South Essex because it is one of the only higher education institutions that offer the course he wanted study - electro-mechanical engineering. Being employed as a multi-disciplined engineer, this was the perfect course for him.
His tutor commented: “Aniku is motivated, punctual, well-mannered, committed, hardworking, and an excellent collaborator. He is very thorough in implementing given feedback and is improving his work consistently.
“Aniku’s distance travelled in such a brief time since he joined L4 HNC programme in September 2021 is remarkable. He has flourished from a quiet student to an accomplished confident team member not hesitating to offer his assistance to his peers and tutors. He is an asset to his programme of study.
Aniku added: “It is an extremely well organised course. Considering my course is part-time it can get intense. Having a course that’s organised so well just makes everything, especially the learning part, easier to digest.
“I like that the different aspects of engineering are covered well and taught in a professional and easily digestible manner.
“My greatest achievement so far has been gaining promotion from maintenance technician to regional reliability engineer. I would highly recommended the university centre for its variety of different courses, professional and expert tutors, it is extremely well organised and student orientated.”
Aniku said that he would really like to continue his education and get a degree in Electromechanical Engineering. His future ambition is to take up a Chartered Engineering role or become a senior consultant.
I was able to not only study the course that I love, but I also met other students who were just as passionate about the course
Jamie received the Hospitality & Catering Student of the Year award because she has proved to be an excellent student, progressing from level 2 to the level 3 qualification achieving high grades throughout.
Jamie said she chose to study at South Essex College because it not only widened what course she could choose but it offered the one course that she is in love with.
She said: “I feel absolutely thrilled to be receiving this award. What I enjoyed most was that I was able to not only study the course that I love, but I also met other students who were just as passionate about the course. I was able to connect with them with the same level of passion for the hospitality industry and shared all the unique dishes that we made throughout the years together.
Jamie’s tutor said: “In her final year she is the only student from her group selected to represent the college in a national competition, showing enthusiasm and flare in all aspects of her practice. Jamie works at the Roslin part-time where she is a valued member of staff.
She has shown commitment to the course and the competition she is about to take part in. Her attendance and punctuality are outstanding at 100%, her behaviour is excellent showing great respect to her peers. She is an aspirational student to all around her.”
Jamie added: “The greatest achievement I have so far has to be winning silver at the Junior Pasta Competition in March 2022. South Essex College not only give you the opportunity to find the perfect course for you and your passions, but they also help you to achieve many things and help you when it comes to getting into your chosen career.
“When I finish my course this year, I am hoping to be enrolling onto a further course to help me get the qualifications to become a teacher because in the future I would love to not only be teaching students how to become chefs but also pass on my knowledge and skills from my experiences in the industry onto them.”
