Hospitality firm's student link

Staffordshire catering students are set to benefit from schemes being launched by a hospitality firm.

The Lewis Partnership is joining Stafford College and the Fair Oak Business and Enterprise College, Rugeley, in an initiative aimed at developing culinary talents. Matt Davies, partnership executive head chef, announced the two programmes.

Mr Davies, aged 39, oversees kitchens of the Moat House and Swan Hotel restaurants in Stafford, which have both won acclaim from the AA and from the local Taste of Staffordshire Awards.

He is now sharing his experience with students at the colleges to hone their culinary skills and develop catering industry careers.

Mike Hughes, lecturer in catering and hospitality at Stafford College, said: "Stafford College Catering dept has been undergoing somewhat of a renaissance over the last few years.

"The quality of catering has improved considerably and many of the staff would like to take this a step further and offer our students a real opportunity to refine their skills by working closely with experienced Chefs such as Matt and his team."

They have formed the Stafford College and Moat House Hotel Catering Excellence Partnership which, through skill-based learning and work experience placements, will improve the standard of training and education on offer to Staffordshire's future caterers.

The Moat House has also developed an association with Fair Oak Business and Enterprise College,, where Mr Davies will work with GCSE catering students offering career advice and practical cooking advice. In conjunction with the school he will organise visits and field trips.

At The Moat House Conservatory restaurant on Friday 29th June, students will prepare and serve a teachers, parents and invited guests.

Fair Oak head Mark Sutton, said: "This is a very exciting collaborative venture which will enable Fair Oak students to experience a taste of reality in the demanding work environment of hospitality and catering."