Department Newsletter
Spring 2025 / wakefield.ac.uk
Dear student,
Dear [student name],
Greetings from Wakefield College’s Hospitality & Catering Department!
I am thrilled to welcome you to read our departmental newsletter, an exciting new publication designed to keep you informed and engaged with the latest happenings, developments, and opportunities in our amazing department.
As the head of the department, I am continually inspired by the passion and innovation that our students and staff bring to the world of hospitality. This newsletter is our way of sharing that inspiration with you.
In this edition, we’ll bring you the latest news from our department, keeping you up-to-date with current trends and departmental achievements. It’s an excellent way for you to stay connected and informed about the field you are about to enter when you join us this September.
We also believe in the power of real stories to inspire and guide. That’s why we will be featuring student case studies, showcasing the journeys, challenges and successes of our students. These stories not only highlight the real-world application of our courses but also serve as a testament to the supportive and innovative environment that Wakefield College offers.
Additionally, we understand the importance of experiencing the environment where you will learn and grow. Therefore, our newsletter includes a link to virtual tours of our fantastic facilities.
We hope this gives you a lot to look forward to for September and we can’t wait to welcome you to the College –good luck in your exams!
Ben Porter Head of Hospitality & Catering
Students visit BBC Good Food Show
Hospitality & Catering students from across various levels took a trip to the BBC Good Food Show, where they visited the big kitchen for a live cooking demonstration from celebrity chef James Martin. Students witnessed a variety of other cooking demonstrations from gluten free experts to Caribbean chefs and also visited and networked with other trade professionals, giving them valuable insight into this exciting industry!
Tapas 101 with local Wakefield restaurant
Level 3 Kitchen and Larder Students got a private demonstration on how to make the perfect paella from Chef Jose of local Wakefield favourite Jose’s Tapas.
Fun Facts!
Hear from our Students
The UK’s most popular dining brand is
Greggs
There are 220 Michelin star restaurants in the UK UK consumers spent a total of £132 billion in restaurants and cafés in 2023
Jamie
“I chose this course because I liked the curriculum content and progression routes available to me. I enjoy both the practical and theory, especially making cocktails when we do restaurant service. I have developed lots of service skills that I’ve applied to my job outside of the College at a local cocktail bar and rugby club. I really like the feel of managing multiple things as a head waiter.”
Average weekly UK household spend on restaurant and café meals is £14
Olivia
“I’ve worked in a restaurant before so I knew this course would be great for me as it’s hands-on. I like working in the College’s restaurant, Gaskell’s, as I enjoy being front of house and meeting and speaking to lots of customers, which gives you a lot of confidence and independence.”
As of September 2024, there were 36,433 licensed food-led premises in the UK
Phoebe
“On the course, we get to make all different kinds of foods including pastries. I have used these skills at home when I make cakes and other sweet treats on special occasions for my family. After College, I’d like to work in a café and my dream job would be to run my own bakery.”
Student Dishes
Rhubarb Dinner
Christmas Dinner
OPEN EVENTS
FIND
OUT MORE ABOUT...
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT...
A LEVELS* FOUNDATION LEARNING
* Wakefield College only
WEDNESDAY 15th OCTOBER 5pm-7pm WEDNESDAY 11th FEBRUARY 5pm-7pm SATURDAY 15th NOVEMBER 10am-12pm SATURDAY 13th JUNE 10am-12pm EVENTS 2025 EVENTS 2026
A LEVELS* | T LEVELS | VOCATIONAL COURSES | APPRENTICESHIPS FOUNDATION LEARNING | UNIVERSITY CENTRE | ADULT LEARNING EVENTS 2024 EVENTS 2025
WEDNESDAY 16th OCTOBER 5pm-7pm WEDNESDAY 12th FEBRUARY 5pm-7pm
SATURDAY 23rd NOVEMBER 10am-12pm SATURDAY 14th JUNE 10am-12pm
* Wakefield College only All events will take place at Wakefield College and Castleford College
Events taking place at both Wakefield College and Castleford College
