A Hospitality and Catering student at Wakefield College has reached the final of the international app-based culinary competition, the CombiGuru Challenge.
Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Professional Cookery student Jarret Edwards will travel to Italy for the final on 4th May 2023, where he will prepare a dish from a mystery box of ingredients selected by Unox.
Jarret, who is one of 25 finalists, will be supported by CombiGuru Development Chefs throughout the challenge.
All finalists have been awarded with a day to trip to Venice to explore its history and culture, which Jarret and his tutor Darren Sharpe will take part in.
Jarret said: “I’m really excited for the final and being able to learn from some of Italy’s most experienced chefs. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I would like to thank my tutors for supporting me throughout the process, which has helped me develop and grow as an aspiring chef. I’m also looking forward to the tour of Venice and exploring the different cuisine that Italy offers.
“Alongside my studies, I have a part-time job at Farmer Copleys which is what sparked my passion in local, organic produce. My course is allowing me to expand my skills in this area, teaching me how to work with high-quality produce like fish butchery and fresh pasta,” added Jarret.
The CombiGuru Challenge app allows students to learn while having on their smartphones, increase their visibility and making themselves attractive to companies in the working world.
30 Hospitality and Catering students entered the competition, which saw them take part in an ongoing ‘adventure’ and complete daily challenges.
Darren Sharpe, Curriculum Development Manager for Hospitality and Catering at Wakefield College, said: “Myself and my fellow tutors have really enjoyed supporting our students through the CombiGuru Challenge. I’m thrilled that Jarret has reached the final - he’s a very talented chef and is always eager to expand his culinary knowledge and skills and taking part in the challenge has enabled him to do exactly that. This will also help to raise the profile of the Hospitality and Catering department here at Wakefield College and showcase the fantastic opportunities which are available to our students.”
Fellow Hospitality and Catering student Nathan Richardson, who is studying a Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Professional Cookery at Wakefield College, recently completed a successful work experience placement working in the larder at Hoar Cross Hall, Burton-on-Trent. Nathan was given a mystery box of ingredients and 30 minutes to prepare a dish, in which he blew his fellow chefs away by producing pan-fried sea bass.
Wakefield College’s Hospitality and Catering department also recently hosted We are Wakefield’s Yorkshire Business Luncheon at its fully licensed training restaurant, Gaskells. Guests were presented with drinks and homemade canapes on arrival by Hospitality and Catering students, followed by a main course meal which they prepared.
The students operate the restaurant throughout the academic year, which provides members of the public the opportunity to sample high-quality dishes at moderate prices.