The chefs are back in town

Colchester Institute will be running a brand new Professional Chefs programme at the Tendring Skills Centre in Clacton from September 2011.

This exciting new provision at the Jaywick Lane site marks a welcome return for the College’s Centre for Hospitality and Food Studies, which had previously delivered training in the Langtry Restaurant in the Grand Hotel, on Clacton’s seafront.

Kati Vardon, Marketing Manager at Colchester Institute, says: “The Professional Chefs programme is for people who are looking to gain an NVQ qualification and the knowledge and skills for employment in the catering industry. The course concentrates on food preparation, a broad range of cookery methods and pastry work, as well as food hygiene. In addition to the full-time courses, there is also an apprenticeship option.’’

Kati continues: “The course is 75% practical. This gives trainees plenty of opportunity to develop and refine their cooking skills with the maximum enjoyment, and more time spent in chefs’ whites! New students will have completed compulsory school education and be able to demonstrate practical ability, preferably including some work experience in the hotel and catering industry. Progression to higher level catering courses at the Colchester Campus will be possible on successful completion of the programme. Local, national and international opportunities exist for successful students on completion of their training.”