Celebrating Culinary Careers: Collaboration Hosts Inspiring Food Technology Event

16 October 2025

Cumbria Careers Hub was delighted to collaborate with Cumbria Tourism and Kendal College to deliver an exciting and immersive Food Technology event for Year 11 students.

Hosted by the talented Hospitality & Catering team at Kendal College, the event welcomed over 40 GCSE Food Technology students and their teachers from five South Lakes secondary schools.

Students kicked off the day with a fun and interactive mocktail-making session, followed by a beautifully prepared three-course meal crafted by three renowned local chefs, supported by Kendal College students:

  • Yannick Lequitte – Private Chef to the French Ambassador before joining Kendal College
  • Liam Fitzpatrick – Head Chef at Our Farm, Rogan & Co
  • Carl Semple – Executive Head Chef at Castle Green Hotel

The event aimed to deepen students’ understanding of:

  • Food provenance
  • Ingredient selection and usage
  • Finishing techniques for high-quality presentation
  • Different styles of food service

Following the meal, students participated in a Speed Networking session, gaining valuable insights into the wide range of transferable careers within the hospitality industry. Professionals from Kendal College - including teams from Estate Management, HR, Data Administration, and Customer Service - shared their career journeys, highlighting the importance of Essential Skills and the connection between education and employment.

Cath Dutton, attending on behalf of Cumbria Careers Hub, shared her enthusiasm:

“This event was a fantastic example of how collaboration between education and industry can inspire young people. The energy in the room was incredible, and the students left with a real sense of possibility about careers in hospitality. We’re proud to support experiences like this that bring learning to life.”