Determined Students Win HEAT Culinary Competition
A team of our ambitious catering students achieved first place in the HEAT Culinary Colleges Competition this March!
Competing students Ben, Frazier, Ollie, Xander, Andrew, Gabriella, Oscar and Pashley, Programme Manager for Catering Gwen Grace, Chef Lecturer Sean Patterson and Chef Rob Kennedy – photography by Highlands College Media Students.
The HEAT Culinary Colleges Competition gives training chefs an opportunity to show off their skills in a challenging and rewarding way. Under the guidance of Wimbledon’s Executive Chef Rob Kennedy, students were challenged to prepare and present a three course meal to be judged by top UK chefs.
The competition took place at the Highlands Academy Restaurant in Jersey, where students competed against three other colleges. Their performance was judged in both the kitchen and on their front of house service skills. Having achieved second place last year, students felt determined to work hard and reach first place position.
Programme Manager for Catering & Culinary Director, Gwen Grace, commented:
“The success at HEAT was down to considerable hard work, planning, training and preparation over several months. We invited former Farnborough College of Technology student and Celebrity Chef Rob Kennedy to prepare, mentor and lead the team of students at the competition. Rob raised their skills, knowledge and preparation for competition work to a level they had not experienced before. He did all this in his own time and also secured sponsorship for us. Rob worked closely with Chef Lecturer Sean Patterson and myself as we formed part of the team. I am extremely grateful and would like to thank Principal Virginia Barrett, Chef Rob Kennedy, our sponsors and students’ parents for their unwavering support.”
For their win, students were awarded the Peter Queree Trophy at a celebration dinner. Their involvement in the competition also meant they were able to explore the Island of Jersey. Students visited a dairy farm and an oyster farm, and were able to blow off some steam with ‘blow karting’!
Principal Virginia Barrett commented:
“Our catering students have worked hard once again this term, representing the College at a number of high profile competitions. The awards won are true reflections of their determination and success, of which we are incredibly proud.”
Chef Rob Kennedy commented:
“It is an honour to be recognised in this way and I am so proud of the team. This competition is all about the students and they have worked tirelessly, practising and preparing for Heat 2019. The Farnborough students came determined to win, and they did it! All of the colleges taking part delivered outstanding services and exceptional food. We have loved visiting Jersey and it was a privilege to lead the team.”
Interested in studying catering with us? Visit our pages for school leavers and for adults. Applications can be made online and Open Events are held throughout the year.
