A nationwide network of master chefs is set to make a return to Bradford College, enriching the available curriculum for students in the hospitality and catering field.
Through the partnership with The Chefs’ Forum, accomplished chefs will collaborate with catering students at the David Hockney Building, providing expert sessions on various subjects throughout the academic year of 2023-2024.
Hailing from Bristol, The Chefs’ Forum connects some of the United Kingdom’s most exceptional culinary artists with colleges across the nation, aiming to inspire and nurture the upcoming generation of aspiring chefs. The core objectives of the organization revolve around mentoring, idea-sharing, motivation, nurturing, and inspiration for the talent of tomorrow.
In the aftermath of the hospitality sector’s resurgence following the pandemic, numerous bars and restaurants across the UK have encountered difficulties in filling essential positions. According to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), job vacancies surged to 146,000 between November 2022 and January 2023. This number is 72% higher than the figures recorded before the pandemic. As a result, targeted and aspirational education in the realm of catering and hospitality has become more crucial than ever.
Director of The Chefs’ Forum, Catherine Farinha, said this about the continued relationship with Bradford College; “I’m full of praise for Bradford College. It’s really great for the students and local schools to be able to see details of upcoming masterclasses and who is going to be visiting the College to teach. The Chefs’ Forum Academy brings in top local chefs to enhance the experience of students and prepare them for real kitchen experiences.
“This coming academic year is going to be really exciting, and we can’t wait to see how our visiting chefs get on when they bring in their specialist knowledge and subject-specific expertise to Level 3 Professional Cookery students.”
The full line-up of specially themed masterclasses includes tuition by seven experienced chefs, such as finalists from BBC MasterChef: The Professionals. Each will pay a visit to the Bradford College industry-standard catering facilities and kitchens:
Radha Ru/”Chef Ru” (MasterChef 2022) – Vegetarian Dish Masterclass
Sandor Bagameri (Stir Bakery) – Continental Bread Masterclass
Lloyd Hesom (United Chefs) – Fish Masterclass
Jack Holden (Fodder, Harrogate) – Lamb Butchery Masterclass
Exose Grant (MasterChef 2019) – Pasta Shapes and Pasta Masterclass
Michelle Gillott (SOSA) – Molecular Gastronomy Masterclass
Kevin Kindland (The Pledwick) – Fine Dining Masterclass
This series of masterclasses is available to all students undertaking the Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Professional Cookery, as well as students progressing from Level 2 onto the Level 3 programme.
Vice Principal for Recruitment & Communications, Sarah Towan, added; “Our partnership with the Chefs’ Forum gives our learners the chance to gain first hand industry experience of the highest calibre. Working with The Chefs’ Forum Academy allows us to bring chefs, and other leaders in the hospitality industry across the UK, into College to share their expertise and insight. This can open eyes to national and global careers, inspiring students to great futures.”
Aside from the cooking, The Chefs’ Forum is a leading food service marketing platform and networking group. The individuals who make up the Forum are chefs with a wealth of professional expertise, recognised with prestigious ‘foodie’ accolades such as Michelin Stars, AA Rosettes, and Good Food Guide cooking scores.
To read more about the Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Professional Cookery and how to apply and enrol for September, please visit the Bradford College website https://www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk/courses/level-3-advanced-diploma-in-professional-cookery/?utm_source=regional_education_media&utm_campaign=chefs_forum_masterclasses&utm_medium=pr
