Students at West Nottinghamshire College, Mansfield, had an industrious start to the new year through a series of workshops and guest speakers, giving them an insight into their chosen careers.

Budding chefs and front-of-house students who work and study in the college’s Refined restaurant took part in a Ready, Steady, Cook-style challenge, with guest judges Matt Gabbitas, of Pilgrim’s Food Masters; Paul Piercy, manager of Mansfield’s Serenity Bar; and Mick Sindall, chef at Stretton Manor Barn, Chesterfield. Student chefs created a range of Indian meals.

Matt, who works as senior research and development chef for Pilgrim’s Food Msters, asked students to look at a range of frozen meals, which are stocked in many well-known shops, to consider their nutritional value and look at the range of ingredients used.

Level 3 students had a visit from Wagamama chef Isaac Matthews and restaurant manager Georgina Miklosz, who set them a challenge to design a new concept for a catering outlet. Learners had to come up with ideas for a menu, costings, and consider the staffing and marketing side of the business.

The animal care curriculum welcomed experienced guests. Amy Chandler, of the Forestry Commission, spoke about her work as a community ranger and opportunities available for people to work in conservation, while vet nurse Kayley Handley gave an insight into her role in a vet’s practice.

Katie Curtis-Hays, a former student at the college, highlighted her role as an animal keeper and record keeper at White Post Farm. Katie spoke about her journey from being a zoology graduate to her role at the Farnsfield attraction, where she works with a variety of species, more recently in the exotic animal section. She gave students advice about target-setting, self-motivation, and CV building, to help them with their career aspirations.

Gemma Measures and Ian Measures, manager and deputy manager of Coxmoor House Kennels and Cattery, Kirkby, helped learners to understand the many tasks involved in attending to animals in their care.

Careers within the charoty People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) were discussed during an online Zoom meeting with former veterinary nurse Catherine Hahn.

Nottingham-based filmmaker and journalist Sharon Walia was another special guest. Sharon created the documentary Keeper of Pigs after being sent by Notts TV to cover a story about a guinea pig sanctuary in Nottinghamshire that was overrun with neglect and unwanted pets.

Sharon’s story went viral on social media and the guinea pig enthusiast then put her experience of the creatures into a documentary. Students learnt more about her story and her mission to inform people of how much work goes into saving animals from cruelty.

The college’s head of department for animal care, hospitality and catering, Helen Wilcockson, said: “Through the invaluable support of our industry partners, we’re able to provide students with hands-on experience, expert guidance, and industry insights.

“These partnerships equip them with the skills and confidence to excel in their chosen careers, inspiring them to pursue their passions with purpose and determination. We’re deeply grateful for this continued collaboration, which plays a key role in shaping the future of our students.”