A group of aspiring young chefs from across West Suffolk have completed a successful Future Chefs Cookery Course, gaining valuable practical skills, confidence and teamwork through a unique programme funded by West Suffolk Council.
The six-week introduction course, followed by an intermediate programme for those wishing to continue developing their skills, gave young people aged 10 to 13 the opportunity to experience working in a professional kitchen at West Suffolk College’s Culinary Arts Academy.
Throughout the programme, the students developed a wide range of culinary techniques while building confidence and independence. They learnt essential health and safety, food hygiene and knife skills before progressing to bread making, pastry, soups, burgers and desserts! As their skills flourished, they tackled more advanced techniques including choux pastry, Italian meringue, and intricate piping work.
The course culminated in two special lunch services, where the junior chefs prepared, cooked and served meals to between 60 and 70 parents and family members, showcasing everything they had learnt.
Working together in the professional kitchen gave the students first-hand experience of teamwork, communication and customer service.
The programme was made possible through £3,000 of funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), secured by West Suffolk Council. UKSPF aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK by investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.
Parents and carers have praised the positive impact the programme has had on their children, highlighting increased confidence, independence and willingness to try new things.
One nan said that the experience has been really positive, with their granddaughter’s confidence growing around preparing food, demonstrated through the lovely cookies she baked for her. She also felt that the opportunity prepares the children to be more independent as they get older with the skills to look after themselves.
Councillor Indy Wijenayaka, Cabinet Member for Growth at West Suffolk Council, said: “It has been wonderful to see the enthusiasm, confidence and skills these young people have developed throughout the Future Chefs programme. Beyond learning how to cook, they have gained valuable life skills including teamwork, communication, resilience and independence that will benefit them whatever career they choose.
“This programme demonstrates how investing in our young people can make a real difference, helping them discover new interests, build confidence and develop practical skills that they can use for years to come. My congratulations go to every young chef who took part and to everyone involved in making the programme such a success.”
Stuart Ascott, Lecturer at West Suffolk College’s Culinary Arts Academy, said: “The progress the students have made has been outstanding. Many arrived with little experience, but they quickly learnt to work safely with professional equipment and mastered the fundamental skills every chef needs.
“Watching them progress has been incredibly rewarding. They have learnt to work together as a team, support one another and take pride in what they have achieved. For some, this could be the first step towards a career in hospitality, while for all of them it has provided skills and confidence that will benefit them throughout their lives.”
