A group of students from Coleg Morgannwg helped serve the crowds at ‘The Open’ fixture at Cheltenham Racecourse. The hospitality and catering students made an early start to travel to the races where they worked in the bars, restaurants, tented village and hospitality boxes on site.

The group made up of Level 2 hospitality pathway to apprenticeship students, provided excellent table service, serving the guests with first class cuisine menus including, smoked salmon, dark chocolate truffle torte and the very best champagne.

The managers and supervisors at the event, and the Jockey Club Catering Company, which employed the students, were impressed with the dedication and hard work shown by the students throughout the day, stating ‘they were a credit to the college’.

Neil Emery, Course tutor said: “All the students represented the college very well; working in a high pressure environment gives them an insight into the industry and certainly improves their skills and confidence.  Although they had a very early start and a busy day I’m confident they enjoyed the experience and will be ready for the next race meeting in the spring. The Pathways to Apprenticeship course is a demanding one, in addition to their assignments and internal college functions the students also attend work placements. The qualification is well respected by those in the industry and on completion of the course all our students secure employment or return to study at the next level”.

Judith Evans, principal said “I must congratulate the students who participated in this event; an opportunity such as this is invaluable in terms of work experience. Their excellent behaviour and mature attitude is something that they should be very proud of, they proved outstanding ambassadors for Coleg Morgannwg”

Emily Pooley, PTA student thoroughly enjoyed the experience she stated” When we arrived at Cheltenham I was a little apprehensive but the supervisors were really nice and explained what they required of us.  It was a really busy day and we did not stop, but the experience has boosted my confidence and I would certainly like to work there again.  I’m enjoying my course and am grateful to the college for providing work placements and opportunities such as this.

Coleg Morgannwg is committed to enabling its students to become work-ready and together with employers provides a comprehensive apprenticeship programme across a range of areas.