Kate Dobson (24) had always wanted to gain qualifications in the subject she loved but she thought her full-time job would be a barrier to education. However, evening classes, great facilities and experts tutors proved to be the right ingredients to turn her love for cooking into an exciting career in the professional cookery industry.
Like lots of adults, Kate had looked at her work commitments as a barrier to her education. She had always wanted to gain qualifications in the industry she loved but couldn’t see how that would become a reality with the demands of her job. Kate said, “It was a chance conversation that sparked my interest, it was then I realised I could fit the course around my commitments and I am so glad I did.”
Kate completed the Level 2 in Culinary Skills at the College, studying one evening a week for a year before progressing onto the Level 3 Professional Cookery the following year, again studying oine evening a week. “The Professional Cookery course covered all aspects of culinary skills necessary to succeed as a chef, the staff were amazing with us all and the kitchen and restaurant are fantastic settings to develop your skills in a professional environment.”
Hospitality & Catering lecturer Kevin Dove highlights the other key ingredient needed, hard work. “Kate worked exceptionally hard to achieve her qualifications whilst working full time within the industry. Kate demonstrates you really can achieve the professional and academic status you desire when applying yourself to your studies here at HCFE”
There were other benefits to the course too “I enjoyed learning with students of different ages and backgrounds. This developed wider skills that not only made the lessons fun but developed me as a person.
A college isn’t always as perceived as well, Kate said “I expected to be one of the oldest when I arrived, you get this impression of college being for those just out of school. I was wrong, I was one of the youngest in my class! “
Kate has continued her studies and is now on her final year of her Degree. On completion she has aspirations of opening her own business where she will have transformed her life from passion into career.
You too could transform your life with a course at Hartlepool College of Further Education. Browse our Hospitality and Catering courses or chat to us via to live chat here on our website and speak to one of our advisers.
