University chefs hone their skills at National Science Learning Centre
Posted on 10 April 2007
Chefs are perfecting the culinary arts at a new craft academy in the kitchens at the National Science Learning Centre (NSLC) on the University of York’ Heslington campus.
The new academy has been established by the University’s Commercial Services department to hone the skills of kitchen staff who make hundreds of thousands of meals each year.
It will be opened on Tuesday 10 April by the Director of the NSLC, Professor John Holman, and the University of York’s Director of Facilities Management, Keith Lilley.
Under the guidance and instruction of award winning University chefs Andrew Wood and Stuart Scott, catering production staff are able to refresh their knowledge, and master new skills and techniques, to meet the ever increasing demand from students, staff and conference visitors for culinary excellence.
Having a permanent base from which to train and develop the workforce, away from the every day pressures and interruptions of their usual environment is hugely beneficial
Andrew Wood
At the academy, students build up a range of skills from basic sauce making to master class fine dining, which are judged using nationally recognised quality assurance criteria.
Executive Chef Andrew Wood said: "Having a permanent base from which to train and develop the workforce, away from the every day pressures and interruptions of their usual environment is hugely beneficial."
Professor John Holman, Director of the National Science Learning Centre said: "The National Science Learning Centre was set up to provide the highest quality professional experience for science teachers. Part of that experience is excellent food - and that's where our restaurant, Quarks, comes in. The catering staff at the University have done a great job in setting a superb standard of food, and I'm pleased we're using this as a springboard for training University catering staff."
Philip Kember, Catering Manager said: "Our vision for the Craft Academy is to refresh and develop the competencies of our entire kitchen teams at all levels. We needed an environment where learning and development is core activity and the National Science Learning Centre fits the bills perfectly."
The Craft Academy’s launched comes in the wake of the University of York’s triumph in the University Caterers Organisation (TUCO) annual Chefs Challenge competition in Blackpool.
The University team, including Andrew Wood (Executive Chef), Simon Woods (Production Chef at the Roger Kirk Centre), and Ian Dickson (Production Chef at Wentworth College) won Gold and Best Hygiene Awards in the competition against 20 teams of UK university chefs.
The teams had two hours to produce a four course meal for four covers. Judged by a panel of industry experts, this was the first time that a single team had won two awards in the same competition.
Notes to editors:
- Photocall: 11.30am Tuesday 10 April 2007. The production kitchen at the National Science Learning Centre, Heslington Campus, University of York. Pic of award-winning chefs in action at the new Craft Academy established by University Commercial Services in the NSLC with NSLC Director Professor John Holman and the University's Director of Facilities Management Keith Lilley. Contact: Nicola Coates 01904 432029 or 07795 315029.