Hospitality students at Cheshire College – South & West welcomed leading employers from across the region for an industry dinner aimed at strengthening links between education and the hospitality sector.
The event, planned and delivered entirely by students, brought together over 60 industry professionals for an evening of networking, collaboration and fine dining. Representatives attended from organisations including Rookery Hall, The Mere Golf Resort & Spa, Titanic Hotel Liverpool, The Midland Hotel Manchester, NHS, Savoy Educational Trust and local hospitality businesses such as Mel’s Kitchen.
Helen Nellist, Deputy Principal and Deputy CEO at Cheshire College, said:
“Events like this demonstrate the incredible talent and dedication of our hospitality students. By bringing industry professionals into the College, we are creating valuable opportunities for collaboration, helping to bridge skills gaps and ensuring our students are equipped with the real-world experience employers are looking for.”
The evening began with a selection of canapés created by the students, followed by a four-course dinner. From menu design and food preparation to front-of-house service, every element of the experience was developed and delivered by the college’s hospitality students, showcasing their culinary creativity, technical skills and professionalism.
Hospitality student Leah, who helped organise the evening, said:
“During the service, I worked the pass, controlling what left the kitchen and ensuring each dish reached the correct table smoothly and at the right time. This included checking every plate, managing the pace of service, and overseeing allergy requirements to ensure every guest was served safely and correctly. This role required constant communication between the kitchen and front of house to maintain the quality and flow of the evening.”
She added:
“ The evening was a huge success, with many of the attending students receiving job offers and opportunities from the industry professionals who were present. Seeing those connections being made was incredibly rewarding and showed exactly why events like this are so important for the next generation entering hospitality.“
The event forms part of the College’s wider commitment to strengthening links with employers, helping to address skills gaps through collaboration between education and industry while ensuring students gain the practical, career-focused experience needed to succeed in the sector.
For more information, visit the College’s website – www.ccsw.ac.uk.