College chiefs have persuaded a number of five-star restaurants to take on Walsall College learners to work alongside professional chefs across the West Midlands.

Meanwhile, chefs from Five Rivers A La Carte, in Walsall; Jamie’s Italian, in Birmingham; Fairlawns Hotel and Spa, Walsall; and, Simpsons, in Birmingham; all visited the college’s Jerome’s Restaurant to deliver master classes and share their skills and expertise.

Steve Biggs, trainer assessor in hospitality and catering, said: “The master classes gave students the opportunity to learn new techniques from professionals, but in turn the chefs were so impressed with the students’ enthusiasm and their ability to pick up knowledge quickly that they had no hesitation in offering them work placements.”

Rashpal Sunner, executive group chef at Five Rivers, said: “The college’s great set-up for training the next generation of chefs, with state-of-the art kitchens and industry-experienced lecturers, will ensure the Midlands’ restaurant sector continues to thrive.”

Featured image caption: Rashpal Sunner, executive group chef at Five Rivers, with Walsall College catering students Dale Gavin, 19, from Bloxwich, and Georgina Growcott, 18, from Wolverhampton