Students given taste of life in Otter Garden Centres kitchen

Nine students on the NVQ level 1 Catering Craft (and Food Service) course were invited to help out in the kitchens and front of house at Otter Garden Centres in Ottery St Mary.

The students were given a variety of tasks to complete, including battering fish and piping chocolate lettering.

The visit was organised after the group's tutor, Stafford Pitts, approached Otter Catering Manager Arron Taylor, who he taught at Exeter College in 2009.

Mr Pitts said: "This year’s NVQ students are a really delightful group, who were really keen to have some work experience of this type.

Exeter College students battering fish

"I’m super proud of them all.

"Working in a commercial kitchen can be nerve-wracking, but they have all stepped up to the challenge."

The students already have the chance to learn skills at the College’s student-run @thirty-four restaurant, but working at an outside location like the garden centre restaurant takes them out of their comfort zone.

Mr Pitts was quick to praise the restaurant team, who gave the students lots of help and advice.

He said: "What’s important for our students is they are stretched and challenged.

"This type of experience gives them skills that prepare them for work in many different fields, not just catering."

Nine students were invited to help out in the kitchens of Otter Garden Centres (Image: supplied)

The NVQ includes two qualifications: food and beverage service, and food preparation and cooking, which are taught through practical cooking, theory and tutorial sessions.

For students who wish to progress, there’s the chance to go on to a Level 2 full-time course or apprenticeship, and potentially Level 3.

If they want to stay in this sector, future job roles can include commis chef or chef de partie, working at ski resorts or on cruise ships, or within the local hospitality industry.

Mr Taylor said: "We were delighted to offer the opportunity for the students to gain ‘real world’ experience."