Students are hailed as stars of the kitchen
Event highlights wealth of talent
There was praise all round for the students who helped out at the cookery theatre in the Perthshire On A Plate tent at Perth Show.
A number of cookery students from Perth College UHI were on hand to assist both the local and the celebrity chefs on the stage – including JeanChristophe Novelli and Nick Nairn, who between them have three Michelin stars.
The team from Perth College enjoyed work experience opportunities and learned new skills from the professional chefs, as well as being praised on the day.
Nick, who was the headline act at the show on Saturday, said: “I got the college students to finish off my morning demonstration for me.
“They were brilliant and had a great attitude, they were not scared to get stuck in.
“Our industry is at crisis point – the catering industry is desperately short of staff. We are always looking for new talent so it’s great to bring in the college to Perthshire On A Plate. They have the necessary skills and will walk straight into the job. The provision of food education here in Perth is great.”
Ian Gibb, the sector manager for food studies and hospitality at Perth College UHI explained what the students had been up to in the tent.
He said: “It has been brilliant, a whole range of students have got involved from all the courses on offer.
“They volunteered and, although Chef Praveen Kumar of Tabla is assisted by Perth College professional cook student Karolina Chrobok
they were a bit apprehensive at first, it has given them a chance to link where the food comes from with their cooking.
“They have been able to showcase their talent working alongside the likes of Nick Nairn, and some have been offered job opportunities and volunteering opportunities.
“The majority of the professionals here are looking for staff, so this has been like a working interview for the students.”
Ian added the whole experience of working and talking to the professional chefs at Perthshire On A Plate has been invaluable to the students. He continued: “It has been Nick Nairn on stage with Perth College UHI students
very informal but the chefs have been coming back to chat to the students and that’s a fantastic opportunity for them at the start of their careers.
“They can see the whole industry story from the farmers, which is vital to a local college. The students have learned so much about what is going on locally with the farmers and producers.
“The college has been recognised for student achievement, but it’s all about opportunities like this. It has been fantastic to put the years of practice at college to use with these fantastic chefs and I am absolutely delighted Perthshire On A Plate welcomed us to the show.”