Catering trainees Curtis Hayes, Jamie Davies, Ben Keattch and Mathew Osborne, cooked up some culinary treats for the rest of their fellow trainees and apprentices at ACT in order to celebrate their skills and achievements in their chosen vocation.
18-year-old Curtis Hayes from Barry, who is currently working as a Trainee in Debenhams Restaurant, said: “Everyone appreciates food, even if you don’t work in the Hospitality and Catering industry. The cakes went down really well and everyone was very happy that we took the time to make them something special.”
The group of four catering trainees went around various vocational routes on offer at ACT. From motor vehicle to hair and beauty to business administration, learners were offered fresh tasty bites that were made in the trainee kitchen at ACT’s Skills Centre in Cardiff.
Curtis and his team whipped up Chelsea buns, scones, fruit cake and cookies as well as savory dishes including a chicken madras and almond and lentil soup.
Curtis said: “Being a trainee is fantastic. I’m in the kitchen all day, making new dishes and practicing my culinary skills. Each day is different and I’m learning real on-the-job skills whilst also getting paid. I recommend anyone who is leaving school this year to consider vocational training.”
ACT Training Kitchen Chef Emma Huggins said: “Today is a perfect day to celebrate the learners’ hard work. The standard of food was excellent and they worked really hard to ensure their food was top quality. I am exceptionally proud of them all, not just today, but every day.”
ACT Managing Director Andrew Cooksley said: “Every single one of our learners has made some amazing achievements. It’s so humbling to see that they are celebrating their success together for VQ Day. Results days for GCSEs and A-Levels make national news. It’s time that vocational qualifications had the same profile – and that’s what VQ Day is all about.”
Now in its eighth year, VQ Day is an annual, national event run by independent education charity, the Edge Foundation. It celebrates vocational achievement and recognises the value of vocational qualifications, to the individual, employers, wider society and the UK economy.
