10TH APR 2025
GC Students Win 1st and 2nd Place in Professional Cookery South West Skills Challenge
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Cheltenham Campus was abuzz with excitement this week as we hosted the Professional Cookery South West Skills Challenge. Welcoming competitors from Weston College and New College Swindon, students worked in teams of 3 to deliver a 2-course meal.
Of the 4 competing teams, we were thrilled that student teams from our Cheltenham Campus and Forest of Dean Campus claimed first and second place respectively!
Students were marked on their culinary skills, working methods, dishes and front of house, including table presentation and service. For GC’s entry we were grateful to be supported by two local businesses, Martin’s Meat butcher who provided the meat, and Russums, who provided uniforms and crockery.
As part of the South West Skills Challenge Competition Group, GC is part of a collaborative initiative that unites 15 colleges across the region, from Cornwall to Gloucestershire, to organise competitions in areas where local skills gaps have been identified.
The group was created by Jane Davison, Assistant Principal for Quality and Education at New College Swindon.
She said: “For me it was about coming together, sharing ideas, giving our learners the opportunity to showcase what they can do but learn from each other. That's the most important thing is to learn and exceed in their skills but it's not just about their skills in Professional Cookery as it is today. It's also about communication skills, about resilience.”
Jo Pitcher, GC’s Head of School for Catering and Hospitality, said: “This is an ideal opportunity for students from different colleges to work together, it allows us all to stretch and challenge our students, raise aspirations and share good practice amongst the FE sector really showcasing the skills of our students.”
She described the competitions as “the Olympics for students”. Students that win this regional round of the competition can go on to enter the national competition, competing against teams across the UK.
The Southwest Skills Challenge Group competition has been officially endorsed by WorldSkills UK and supported with resources, training and guidance to enhance the quality of these competitions.
Following the success of this year’s competition, we look forward to working with neighbouring colleges and taking part in future competitions!
Some of the competing students shared their favourite part of the day:
My favourite part would probably be seeing the customers faces when they get the food and they're just like oh wow it looks amazing that's a fun part. – Gracie, Gloucestershire College
It would probably be serving the customers, to create a lively atmosphere for our customers and to make sure that they've got the right food and enough drinks to keep them satisfied and that if they need anything that they know I'm right here. – Ruby, New College Swindon
I just like cooking, it's very simple. Lovely people, lovely chefs, lecturers, everyone, brilliant. – Adam, Gloucestershire College
