Industry professionals recently volunteered their time to inspire the next generation during an employability week at Bath College, organised by the Hospitality, Hair, Beauty & Spa Industries department.
Students studying hospitality and catering, as well as hairdressing, media make-up and complementary therapy, had the chance to network and learn new skills.
In the Bath College kitchen, hospitality and catering students met Chris Cleghorn and Claire Wilkins, from The Olive Tree Restaurant.
Chris, Head Chef at The Olive Tree Restaurant, gave a cooking demonstration and Claire ran a black box trade test.
Bath College’s young chefs received a surprise set of ingredients, placed in the box, and were challenged to make a dish using these.
Students studying at The Academy, the college’s beauty and hairdressing salon, learnt a range of techniques during employability week, including eyebrow threading, bamboo massage and cupping therapy.
They listened to employer talks from Center Parcs, Neal’s Yard Remedies and Eden Rose Beauty, as well as workshops on how to run your own business and how to create a YouTube channel.
Former student Josie Troy visited the college with Jess James to show students how to apply micro bead hair extensions.
Lecturer Donna Ford, who taught Josie nine years ago, said: “When Josie started our level 3 course she was expecting her second child.
“She has had her business for two years and, in my opinion, she is a great role model for the industry – if you put your mind to something you’re passionate about you can achieve your goals.”
Students studying hospitality and catering had a busy programme of activities, including a cocktail masterclass led by Tim Spiller, Beverage Manager at the Abbey House Hotel.
Visitors to the college’s Shrubbery Restaurant included Richard Guest, from Talking Wines, and former student Eddie Twitchett, from the Round Hill Roastery, who talked about making your own coffee.
Lecturer Ryan Hanson said a highlight was the customer service masterclass, run by Daryl Harris and Tom Ross from The Pig Near Bath.
He said: “We want our students to be inspired by the people they meet and what they learn. Darryl and Tom are really good at doing role-plays, getting the students to work in teams and putting them out of their comfort zone.”
