Captain applauds Coleg y Cymoedd learners

Coleg y Cymoedd learners were given the opportunity to cater for some of the most high ranking army commanders of the 104th Regiment Royal Artillery.

The college was approached to provide the hospitality at the Raglan Army Barracks where army officers from across Wales would celebrate the St. David’s Day Captain’s Dinner.

The twelve Level 1, 2 and 3 Hospitality & Catering learners from the Ystrad Mynach and Nantgarw campuses; accompanied by their tutors were involved in all aspects of the function; including Commis Chefs, Wine waiters, Silver Servers and hosts.

Kirsty Pearson, Hospitality & Catering tutor said “We were honoured to be invited to take part in such a high profile event; our learners were a credit to the college, they were extremely professional. This event provided valuable work experience to improve their practical food and beverage skills and gain experience of a high profile event. Two learners gained valuable work experience working alongside the Master at Arms fulfilling Commis Chef duties prior and during service and the remaining learners provided Silver Service to a 5 course dinner along with the service of wine and port.

The event was a huge success and the staff and learners received many positive comments, including that of the Captain when he stated ‘our learners were better than the company they usually use’! To acknowledge their excellent service the learners were given an appreciative round of applause from the guests and as a result, the learners have been asked to attend future events.”

Learner Robert Haycox, (17), from Ferndale who took part in the event is currently studying on the Level 2 NVQ professional Cookery course at the Nantgarw campus.

Robert said “ My tutor Mr Emery asked me if I wanted to work at this event, as it was a Saturday night. I’m so glad that I did as I learnt so much; I was nervous to start but with the support of staff and colleagues enjoyed the ‘waitering’ and the overall experience of serving the guests.

We all worked as a team and the Colonel was pleased with the service we provided. It was really nice when the guests applauded us at the end of the night. I’ll certainly attend any other events we are invited to”.

Coleg y Cymoedd has an excellent reputation for catering and hospitality with learners trained to the highest standards by our professional team. The College has three training restaurants that are run jointly by staff and learners and open to the public to use – Llewellyns Restaurant, Aberdare Campus, Nant Restaurant, Nantgarw Campus and Scholars Restaurant, Ystrad Mynach Campus.

Find opening times for the restaurants at: /about-us/facilities.aspx#1324

View the Nant Restaurant on Trip Advisor: http://bit.ly/1IPsema

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