7/2/2024

The Junior Chef Academy, delivered by Compass Cymru in collaboration with Cardiff and Vale College as part of a Cardiff Commitment led initiative, is celebrating the graduation of ten budding young chefs from Cardiff West Community High School.

Selected for showing interest in the culinary and hospitality industry, the group of pupils aged 14-15 years have been immersed in a 10-week intensive program, engaging them in the culinary arts. The course has combined theoretical knowledge with practical skills and has covered a range of areas including knife skills, salads and healthy eating, bread, meat, fish dishes, poultry and desserts.

The programme has included masterclasses delivered by Compass Cymru Chefs and college technicians providing immersive sessions to demonstrate challenges and triumphs within the culinary field. Through partnership with local colleges and stadiums, pupils have also accessedexpertise and state-of-the-art facilities to nurture opportunities and further education pathways.

The aspiring chefs have showcased their newfound skills at a grand graduation event held at Cardiff City Stadium where they designed and prepared a three-course meal served to an audience of more than 40 guests including parents, carers, college and school representatives and local authority dignitaries. Each graduate was honoured with a certificate, set of chef knives and a goody bag generously supported by Compass Cymru.The programme has been sponsored by Brakes who provided the food and chef whites.

Lereah, Cardiff West Community High School pupil, "The best bit of the Junior Chef Academy is cooking food and taking it home for my mum to try my cooking, she loves it! I have learnt how to prepare food, presentation skills, cleanliness - a clean kitchen is a happy kitchen! The Junior Chef Academy has given me something to do in life, if I don't succeed in football I would like to go to college to study catering."

Cardiff's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Sarah Merry said: "This unique programme goes beyond traditional education, offering students a hands-on experience to develop culinary competence and gain insights into the vast and dynamic hospitality industry.

"Part of a broader project at Cardiff West Community High School, the initiative unites industry and education partners and aims to empower pupils with diverse career options and hands-on experiences, stimulating their curriculum journey and preparing them for the challenges of Post-16 education and the dynamic world of work.

"Representing a tangible commitment to nurturing the next generation of culinary talent, the Junior Chef Academy is a testament to the success of collaborative efforts between educational institutions, industry leaders, and the local community. I would like to congratulate all of the successful graduates on their achievements and thank the partners involved for their commitment to delivering this fantastic opportunity."

Post-graduation, Compass Cymru will offer information, advice, and guidance on apprenticeship vacancies and potential work experience opportunities across Compass Group.

The Cardiff Commitment is the Council initiative that brings together the public, private and third sectors in partnership, with schools and education providers, to connect children and young people to the vast range of opportunities available in education, training and the world of work.