Florence trip gives Hospitality and Catering students a taste of the future

Six Hospitality and Catering students were able to hone their culinary skills and discover more about the food industry during an exciting trip to Italy.

The students, who described the experience as life-changing, spent two weeks in beautiful Florence where they worked in the region’s top hotels and restaurants, gaining tips and advice from some of the best chefs and front-of-house managers in the city.

Some of them impressed their hosts so much, they have been offered future placements at their respective hotel or restaurant!

All six students are based at either the Rouge Restaurant at our Redbridge campus, or at OKN1 Restaurant at NCC’s Hackney campus.

The unforgettable experience included roles where they worked in the kitchens, from chopping and prepping vegetables, to learning about specialist cookery, to plating up food, and acting as waiting staff where they served food and drinks.

They also enjoyed a day where they were taught how to make pizza the Italian way – and got to have a go themselves.

During their visit, the students had some free time to explore the sights and sounds of Florence, taking in the city’s iconic landmarks.

Klaudia Czuj, who is studying the Level 3 Diploma in Professional Cookery at OKN1 Restaurant, Hackney, said: “This was a life-changing experience. I learnt how to do more advance tasks quickly and I think that was down to my enthusiasm and willingness to learn new skills. To be offered a future placement was the icing on the cake.”

Our international placement opportunities are a great way for students to gain valuable experience abroad, develop practical skills and learn from experienced professionals in their chosen field.

Maurice Haskew, Senior Curriculum Manager for Hospitality and Catering, said: “We are really impressed with all our students who came on the trip. This experience was hugely beneficial in terms of learning new cooking techniques and building relationships.

“Our students were all praised for their dedication and eagerness to learn during their placements and we were delighted that a number of them have now been offered a future placement at their respective hotel or restaurant.”

Interested in a career in Hospitality and Catering? Why not train in our award-winning restaurants?  To find out more, click here