Highlands catering students gain insight into life at a Five-Star hotel

Wednesday 22 January 2014

Students from a Highlands College catering course visited the five-star Grand Jersey Hotel and Spa to gain a practical insight into a working hospitality business.

The 25 catering students, who are in their first year, were treated to a tour of the hotel, a presentation about the restaurant and its facilities and a complementary lunch served in Victorias restaurant. The presentation was delivered by Eamonn Elliott, general manager and Andy Dentten, HR director. They gave the students an insight into their roles, their background, training and offered some valuable advice on career progression and the characteristics needed to succeed within the industry.

The initiative was set up following an enquiry to Grand Jersey by the Highlands College catering school.

Mihaela Lazarescu, restaurant manager at the Highlands Academy of Culinary Arts, said: "This experience was a fantastic opportunity for our students to gain first-hand exposure to the workings of a successful hospitality business. The initiative provided the aspiring caterers with an alternative means of accessing knowledge and assisted with the practical application of the school curriculum. We would like to thank Eamonn and Andy for taking the time to share their knowledge and expertise so eloquently on the day."

 General manager at Grand Jersey, Eamonn Elliott said he enjoyed speaking at the presentation and was impressed with the levels of interest shown during the visit.

 "These students are the future of the hospitality industry in Jersey and it was great to see so much enthusiasm for the initiative," said Mr Elliott. "Today it is increasingly difficult for young people to get jobs, particularly those with good career prospects, and we recognise the importance of helping the students to complement their academic studies with relevant practical experience."