Step Up To The Plate, another huge success!

With the financial and professional support of Restaurant Associates Group, Social Business Trust and Permira, Refettorio Felix offered the third in their successful series of the seven-week Culinary and Life Skills course called Step up to the Plate. The aim: to support individuals at the centre to learn more about nutrition, cooking and to gain those all-important pre-employability skills for those interested in seeking employment in the hospitality industry. The programme launched with 12 candidates and included modules on culinary skills, health & safety, barista and front of house training, as well as CV writing and interview skills. The three-hour weekly sessions were delivered over six weeks and culminated in a celebratory dinner and awards ceremony held here at the hall. The participants were challenged to plan and execute a three-course meal as part of their graduation ceremony and passed with flying colours. On the menu were home made bread, a delicious salmon salad, coq au vin/Portobello mushroom ragout, and banoffee cheesecake. The candidates cooked everything from scratch and then both they and their mentors sat in the convivial surrounding of the hall to enjoy their labours. Each were then presented with a certificate of graduation. At the time of writing, four of the original number have used their newly acquired skills to successfully reach the next stage in their quest to find employment. We wish them every success! It was a relaxed and celebratory end to an intense few weeks where not only new skills were learned but new friendships were formed.