New City College catering students get a taste of Parliament

Hospitality and Catering students from New City College Hackney Campus have been given a unique opportunity to sharpen their culinary skills at one of the most iconic institutions in the country – the House of Commons.

As part of a new partnership, NCC has joined the House of Commons Work Experience Scheme, offering aspiring chefs from the Level 3 Diploma in Professional Cookery course a chance to step into the heart of British politics and work behind the scenes in some of Westminster’s busiest and most exclusive kitchens.

Following a rigorous security vetting process, three talented students – Jayden, Liudvika and Victoria – were selected to take part in the pilot programme. Over the course of a week, they worked as Commis Chefs alongside award-winning senior chefs, gaining invaluable first-hand experience in high-pressure, professional kitchens.

The House of Commons Catering Service employs over 200 staff and runs 15 different venues across the parliamentary estate, including the world-famous Palace of Westminster. The students rotated through various sections of the operation – participating in the preparation, production and service – from the butchery and larder to the bakery and the Terrace and Principal Kitchens, which serve the renowned Members’ Dining Room.

Tasks included filleting halibut, precision portioning meats, and producing canapés on a large scale in the on-site bakery. One student even memorised a recipe he worked on during the week and recreated it in a successful student takeover at OKN1, the college’s commercial restaurant in Hoxton, where the students train.

Natasha Jahoor, Industry Placements and Work Experience Manager at New City College, said: “This is an extraordinary opportunity for our students. Working in such a high-profile environment has given them a deeper understanding of professional standards, kitchen operations and the level of discipline required in the industry. It’s a huge confidence boost and sets them up for future success.

“At the end of a busy week they were left feeling well taken care of, excited and motivated.”

The placement left a lasting impression on the students, who said the week had been ‘inspiring’, ‘eye-opening’, and ‘an experience I’ll never forget’.

As they returned to college, they brought back not just new skills, but also a renewed ambition and clear vision for their future careers in the Hospitality and Catering industry.

With the success of this year’s pilot, New City College hopes to continue its involvement with the House of Commons programme, providing more students with the opportunity of work experience in prestigious surroundings.

If you want to work in the Hospitality and Catering industry and would like opportunities like this – apply for our Level 3 Diploma in Professional Cookery course today!