Pathways of success: culinary collaboration with Chartwells

Coleg Sir Gâr’s Ammanford campus had a real buzz in its canteen recently when Independent Living Skills students brought it alive with their special St David’s Day event.

The event was created in partnership with Chartwells, a company that provides the catering facilities at Coleg Sir Gâr campuses, following the momentous success of student placements at their cafes at Ammanford and Graig.

The company provided the culinary expertise in the form of a chef and staff to work with students to prepare and serve a traditional cawl recipe with Welshcakes and other side dishes.

The idea was developed following the success of student work placements with Chartwells and the relationships that grew from this positive experience.

Pathway courses help students who may have additional or complex needs to learn the skills they need for independent living and employability.

Anisha Jones, a Pathway 3 student said: “I loved seeing everybody else enjoy and I liked seeing all the different pathway students interacting and working together. I really enjoyed this successful event.”

Katy Williams, also on Pathway 3 added: “It was very busy but it was good to see other students enjoying what they did.”

For student Matty Stolarczky, it was the first time he had ever tasted cawl. “I loved serving people and getting the orders right,” he said. “It was nice to see how kind and polite people were and I learned skills in communication and listening skills.”

James Muldoon, from Chartwells, said: “Gaining experience in the hospitality industry not only equips students with a vital life skill, but also embeds transferable skills that will help accelerate their entry into the wider industry, or other sectors.

“We’re committed to sharing the expertise from our culinary teams to engage future generations around cooking quality, hearty, nutritious meals. It was phenomenal to focus the efforts of this course around traditional Welsh dishes, which were all well received by the students.”

Helen Edwards, head of ILS, Fresh Start and Foundation said: “Through this event, in terms of personal development, we have seen such a growth in our students.

“When they started with us in September, some wouldn’t talk, some had a fear of busy environments so to see them cook, serve and interact so well with guests was absolutely amazing for us.

“Chartwells Group staff at the college have been integral in the success of this event and in supporting our students in their work placements at Ammanford and Graig campuses.

“The employability skills they are learning with the staff are invaluable to the students and we have seen a positive and more confident side of them since they’ve been in these placements – it has significantly changed some of them.

“I’d like to thanks Gina Ciano, a tutor who organised the event with Chartwells who has been developing students confidence and catering skills throughout the academic year.

“Also, Menna Jones, who supported a Welsh themed prize for the best decorated Welsh-themed table which our Pathway 1 learners won.

“The atmosphere and sense of community was something that will be remembered within the ILS department.”

Kath Hopkins, educational support assistant added: “A lot of our students in pathway 1 have complex needs and at times don’t like to leave their classroom, so to see them enjoy this event was amazing for us as a team.

“The chef and catering staff commented on how hard students worked, from prepping the food to clearing up afterwards – they did it all with enthusiasm and team spirit.”