Students at Northumberland College are busy preparing for the annual Rural Awards ceremony, which will take place at the College’s Kirkley Hall campus in July.
The college is hosting the North East Rural Awards for the second year in a row, in conjunction with Reach PLC, to celebrate the region’s best rural businesses and entrepreneurs.
College students are heavily involved in all aspects of the event, using their skills and talents while gaining valuable experience for their future careers.
Award-winning catering and hospitality students from the college’s Ashington campus have planned a delicious three-course menu using local sustainable produce, including some ingredients from the Kirkley Hall Estate.
Agriculture students are rearing Aberdeen Angus cattle, which will provide quality beef as part of the main course, and horticulture students are growing the vegetables and berries used to create a spring vegetable salad as a side dish.
In addition, students from horticulture and floristry will create floral displays to decorate the marquee and graphic design students will produce the events programme and table plan.
Nigel Harrett, Principal of Northumberland College, said:
“Our courses give students the sector knowledge required for their future careers. We work closely with employers to provide opportunities for additional development to help students become work ready.
“This is an excellent opportunity for them to showcase their skills for a large commercial event and gain hands-on experience.”
On the day of the event, catering staff will work with the students to prepare and serve the meal.
Catering and Hospitality Lecturer, David Jackson, said:
“This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to work at a large-scale event. The experience they will gain from this will be highly beneficial for their future careers in the hospitality industry.”
The North East Rural Awards ceremony will take place in a grand marquee within the grounds of the College’s Kirkley Hall Estate, near Ponteland, on Thursday 4th July 2019.
Kirkley Hall is home to the College’s land-based provision including agriculture, horticulture, animal care and equine. It also operates as a wedding and conference venue.
We are the largest further education provider in Northumberland with campuses throughout the county.
Our student transport scheme is available for eligible students to make getting to and from college as easy as possible.
Our extensive re-development programme will create outstanding new facilities.
Northumberland College, as part of college group EPNE, receives an Outstanding rating across the board in its latest Ofsted inspection.
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