Edinburgh College host top businesses for employer engagement event
A number of Scotland’s top hospitality venues and restaurants visited Edinburgh College this week to take part in an event which aimed to explore opportunities for future collaboration that will enhance the learning experience of college students.
Organised by the College’s Professional Cookery and Hospitality department, the event was held in the Apprentice training restaurant at the College’s Granton Campus and was attended by representatives from over 20 top Scottish businesses.
Edinburgh College Heads of School Stephanie Tanner and Mandy Purdie kicked the event off with a presentation that focussed on the current curriculum offer and the opportunities available to students attending the College.
Those in attendance then heard from former students Tessa Collingwood (Sheraton Hotel), Alex Bruce (Mitchells & Butlers), and Megan Stoddart (The Royal Scotsman) on their experience at College and their journey into industry.
HIT Scotland Chief Executive David Cochrane spoke about the partnership between the College and HIT Scotland, that has seen College students gain experience working at industry events across the city.
Finally, attendees took part in an interactive session where they were asked to give feedback on a number of questions relating to the future of the sector and the skills that are likely to be required by industry in the coming years.
Organisations in attendance included: Hit Scotland; The Kitchin Group; Prestonfield House Hotel; Sheraton Hotel; Signature Pubs; Carlowrie Castle; The Waldorf Astoria; Archerfield House; Gather and Gather; Mitchells & Butlers; and more.
Professional Cookery and Hospitality lecturer Richard Morris said: “We’d like to thank all of the businesses who joined us for this event yesterday. It was great to able to discuss current sector needs and explore opportunities for future collaboration.
“Working closely with business is a big part of what we do at Edinburgh College and helps us provide students with the best possible learning experience, while also gaining an insight in to how the sector is changing, ensuring that our offering is tailored to meet the skills needs required by industry.”
Find out more about Professional Cookery courses at College.