An award-winning student chef will be working alongside her colleagues to produce a five-course dining graduation event next week at West Nottinghamshire College.

Melissa Jackson (19), of Mansfield, has recently been named VQ Learner of the Year for the East Midlands in recognition of her outstanding achievement while undertaking professional cookery qualifications.

On Friday, 13th June, she will graduate from her NVQ Level 3 Professional Cookery along with fellow chef Sophie Marshall (19), and Level 3 Hospitality, Supervision and Leadership apprentices Alex Roberts and Sophie McHugh (both 19).

For their graduation meal in the college’s Refined fine dining restaurant, they will be cooking and serving contemporary British food including starters of pan fried duck with Thai dressing, followed by main courses including chicken ballotine, pan fried pollock and blade of beef.

Desserts will include chocolate and raspberry tart and lemon soufflé as well as rhubarb and custard mille feuille.

Chef Melissa, who currently works as bar staff for Mansfield District Council’s Sodexho Prestige events company, will be embarking on a scholarship diploma at Welbeck’s School of Artisan Food to specialise in bakery and patisserie.

Fellow chef Sophie Marshall said: “After finishing college I’d like to work in a fine dining restaurant, preferably in a city setting.”

Managing front of house on the graduation evening while serving a range of cocktails, Alex Roberts and Sophie McHugh already have jobs in the hospitality supervision sector with Alex working at Rufford Golf Club and Sophie at Mansfield’s Frankie and Benny’s restaurant.

Alex aspires to work for a hotel and restaurant like Harts in Nottingham while Sophie is keen to continue in her current role before taking time out to travel.

Alex said: “It’s been great to work at Refined while studying as we get to see such a range of clients from local dining enthusiasts to high-profile VIPs who visit the college. We’re all very proud to have helped the restaurant gain its number one profile on Trip Advisor.”

To book a table at this or other fine dining events at Refined, call 01623 413629.