Welsh teens taste-test a new career 23/12/10

Publication: Western Mail

A group of teens in south Wales are boosting their kitchen skills and taste-testing a career in the food industry with help from training provider ACT and celebrity chef Jamie Oliver.

Learners enrolled on a twelve-week SkillBuild in catering programme with ACT, south Wales’ largest work-based training provider, are whisking, baking and frying their way to a bright future in the food industry.

The catering programme has recently had a ‘pukka’ revamp and now includes two modules designed by Jamie Oliver.  Those enrolled on the course will learn how to make a range of dishes devised by the chef including lemon butter biscuits, a vegetable jalfrezi curry and a perfect basil pesto to name just a few. 

The BTEC qualifications called Jamie Oliver’s Home Cooking Skills Level 1 and Level 2 also cover a range of cooking techniques including baking, barbequing, stir-frying and roasting.

ACT’s catering skills tutor, Kris Davies from Tonypandy, is responsible for integrating Jamie Oliver’s course into the SkillBuild programme, said: “The two Jamie Oliver Home Cooking Skills modules are great for those who are either starting out in a career in the food industry or for those who want a taste of what a career in catering could offer. 

“The coursework focuses less on theory and more on the practical skills required to build a good foundation of knowledge in the kitchen.  This means that our learners will walk away with a host of essential life skills and hopefully with an appetite for fresh, healthy, home-prepared food.”

Jessica Price 17, from Caerphilly has been inspired by the course: “After school I studied business and hospitality at college, but left after a year because I wanted to learn practical skills instead of doing written work and exams in the classroom.  ACT’s catering course offered the kind of hands-on experience I was looking for and I was excited that Jamie Oliver has designed the materials and recipes.  As well as improving my catering skills, ACT has really helped me with my confidence. I used to be so shy, but now my dream is to become a head chef in a big, busy kitchen.”

ACT’s SkillBuild programme is aimed at learners seeking occupational skills learning. The training programme is delivered to those who are undecided on their occupational goals. These ‘preparation to work’ programmes operate within dedicated training centres and incorporate training covering IT skills, life skills and basic skills. 

Kris adds: “Jamie Oliver is a real inspiration to cooks of all ages and backgrounds and his enthusiasm and vibrant attitude towards food and cooking makes a big impression on our learners.”

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