In 2008 the Cathedral set up a scheme to give students from City College work experience in the Refectory.
© Ryan Watts
Recently the Refectory has started to combine the Benedictine principles of Learning and Hospitality. In a joint venture with the City College Norwich we now run a full time course for students working towards their NVQ 1 and 2 qualifications in food preparation and service.
The course is aimed at youngsters who, for whatever reason, have not succeeded in mainstream education. It gives them the opportunity to learn on the job in one of the city’s leading restaurants.
Sam Howes, 20, from Old Catton, is one student who has flourished while completing the course. Despite going through foster care and living with a form of autism, Sam has been a real success story. Prior to joining the Refectory team she completed a one-year ABC catering course at the college. At the end of that year, Sam was delighted to be named ABC Baker of the Year at the Hotel School Awards night. She said: ‘I really enjoy working here at the Cathedral. I get the chance to make the things I’m best at such as cheesecakes, breads and sausage rolls. Working in the kitchen here has inspired me and now I want to become a head chef’.
The joint scheme was launched in April 2008 and pupils are presented with their NVQ certificate along with a chef’s uniform and cookbook at a special graduation ceremony. David Marsh, 16, from Norwich, was one of the first to complete the course. He was so successful that managers at The Refectory offered him a full time position.
Dick Palmer, college principal, said: ‘David was a fine example of what can be achieved on this course. He really went the extra mile, such as coming in on his days off. His transformation has been staggering, now he is aiming for a front of house job on a cruise ship. This course is all about giving youngsters the chance to get on with their lives, despite their background or past experiences, and proving that they can be successful. We can equip students with a good grounding in the hospitality industry but more importantly they take away a sense of achievement and self-pride'.
Richard Vincent, Enterprises Manager at Norwich Cathedral, said: ‘We are proud to be involved with this ground-breaking initiative which links with our Benedictine past. The cookery and front-of-house skills they learn here give a good basic grounding for the hospitality industry. It is particularly pleasing that we’ve been able to offer employment to one of the students'.