aspire-igen’s Learners to cater Igniting Inspiration
By Joe Grant, Catering and Hospitality Manager, aspire-igen Ltd
On 29th November, aspire-igen will have the privilege of hosting and sponsoring the Igniting Inspiration Awards for a second successive year at our Opportunity Centre in Bradford.
As a social enterprise, we provide high quality training and hands-on, vocational education for young people aged 16-19 years old.
Our Hospitality and Catering department boasts a fully operational café, ‘The Canteen.‘ ‘The Canteen’ is a cookery school and a beautiful events space for all occasions. It provides a first-class training environment for our learners in which to develop the skills they need to progress into the industry.
Since opening last October, we have shared some real success stories. We are delighted to shout about the fact that of the learners who finished the course last year, half have either remained in further education, gone on to find work, or stayed in our Hospitality and Catering training to complete a higher-level qualification.
Some of those learners were involved in last year’s Igniting Inspiration awards, which made a real impression on them – and they were certainly a hit with guests at Igniting Inspiration 2017. Our current cohort are very much looking forward to the awards evening and have already begun preparations.
These opportunities are so important. They provide the learners with a platform where they can once again get a chance to show just what they are capable of!
Serving up a Feast
Just recently, two of our Learners, Jordan Wilson and Leah Bairstow (pictured above), had the privilege of serving the Lord Mayor when we hosted the monthly Lord Mayor’s Diners Club.
“I really enjoyed myself. It was an honour to serve the Lord Mayor. When I finish my Level 2, I would like to work full time front of house in either a café or a restaurant. I think I would be a good waiter as I enjoy serving people and satisfying their needs. ” Jordan
At this year’s awards, our learners will be serving up a Moroccan-influenced feast which they will create under my supervision.
“This is one of my favourite styles of food to cook with the learners. We have developed the entire menu together and I feel it is a great reflection of their personalities and passion.
This will be a feast for the eyes and the taste buds, with a menu full of exotic colours and flavours. We also have planned some pleasant surprises. We can’t wait!”
About aspire-igen Group Ltd
aspire-igen is a social enterprise committed to changing young people’s lives for the better through learning and work. Its Opportunity Centre in Bradford is based on Cheapside in the former Council Chambers building.
About Inspiring Women Changemakers
Inspiring Women Changemakers is a dynamic movement of women who join up to lead transformational change – at work, in society, and in the world. The Igniting Inspiration Awards are set up to celebrate the achievements of women from the North of England who are making a positive difference in society.
Contact: Anj Handa at anj@inspiringwomenchangemakers.co.uk. Tel: 07946 646295.
