Today we welcome our students to Holiday Inn Norwich North, where the students embark upon a day of preparation with HIT Training, in anticipation of their MasterChef cookoff that is taking place at City College Norwich tomorrow.
Kew Green Hotels Chef programme is a 12-month initiative that provides not only an accredited qualification, but also real hands on experience in situations that are outside of the norm; whilst challenging our Chefs in a controlled environment.
The modules of our scheme are broken down into key skills such as game, fish, vegetables etc. However, we supplement these sessions with some “business” aspects of the industry such as costings and menu construction.
Dean Crews – Group Executive Chef for Kew Green Hotels spoke of the Chef School programme – “I truly believe these skills are as much part of the modern chef repertoire as fish filleting and stock making. Interspersed with the modules and skills sessions are things like farm visits, abattoir tours, full size carcass demos and much more. I think these extra steps are what makes the Kew Green Chef School special. We want our Chefs to connect the dots from the start of a product to the guest experience but also to understand both ends of the industry and what happens along the way. It’s also a fun experience for them, which for me is an aspect that I want to underpin the learning process. You get so much more from people when they enjoy it.”
Whilst our Chefs have received ongoing assessment as part of their scheme, through showcasing specials in their hotels and reporting back on costs, feedback from guests and sales figures – the MasterChef inspired cookoff will test all of their skills, knowledge on demonstration sessions and their experience of producing specials – in front of a team of judges, in a timed session.
“I think the chefs school is a great opportunity for young chefs to come and experience new things, learn new skills, share ideas and get a real feel for this great industry. At Kew Green, we are committed to ensuring our Chefs receive unrivalled opportunities for development and progression. We believe in nurturing our own talent as much as Chef School being attractive to those already in our industry.” Natasha Nagra – Talent Resourcing Manger.
It’s been an incredible year for our group of learners, who have reached the end of an engaging, enlightening and educational road for them. Tomorrow - our Chefs go head to head for the chance to win a career inspiring experience working in a top UK restaurant, and there can only be one winner!
To keep up with the competition as it unfolds be sure to follow our #Takeover on The Staff Canteen Instagram account on the day! See you there.
