Earlier in the year, Lakefield Hospitality College introduced an innovative sport psychology personal development platform for both mentors and students, thanks to funding from the Lord Forte Foundation. This enhanced the College’s core mentor programme, which was developed with support from the Worshipful Company of Cooks and included professional training for Lakefield mentors who are now able to run the programme effectively and for long term rewards.
The moon-shot series proved particularly valuable in preparing students for the Hotel, Restaurant & Catering (HRC) Show competitions back in February and as well as providing valuable life skills to prepare students for the exciting, but sometimes high-pressure, world of hospitality. Originally designed for with young Olympians, the programme content is transferable and relevant, concentrating as it does on commitment, focus, time management, effective communication as well as providing important feedback – all essential attributes for young women navigating their way through life.
The impact the programme had was clear to see at the HRC, as the students helped on the Salon Culinaire stand with confidence and self-assurance, and performed well in competitions – every single one winning something with two participation awards, seven merits, three bronze and six silver in the categories of junior decorated cupcakes, decorated birthday cake, perfect pasta, cocktail mixology, flambe, student tea pastries, and student bread rolls and loaf.
Lakefield enhance student learning with a variety of external visitors including Hospitality College Patron Diego Masciaga leading a wonderful session on customer service and Food Service skills; Spaghetti House welcoming all students to one of their restaurants to learn how to make pasta and learn about work opportunities; and the UK Housekeeping Association, who holding their February meeting at the College, and giving 40 London based Housekeepers an opportunity to see the students in action and start discussions about how to overcome challenges faced in the industry – particularly for women.
The term ended with the College’s annual Patron Dinner, with special guests The Master of the Worshipful Company of Cooks, Reverend Keith Powell and his wife Jill, Past Master Peter Messent and the Late Master, Virginia Bond. This was an opportunity to update Patrons on aims and objectives set last year and show upcoming plans which include a possible refurbishment in 2024.
