City of Glasgow College has become the first Scottish college to implement an innovative new training concept specifically designed to provide skilled professionals to the food and hospitality industry.
The college, which currently offers a wide range of food-related courses – including Professional Cookery, Patisserie, Bakery, Hospitality, and Events – launched its Industry Academy of Food and Hospitality on Friday 1 May. The implementation of the new model will ensure students are better equipped to work in the industry as they will graduate with academic, vocational and employability skills derived from working with industry partners during their studies.
Better equipped students
Elspeth McCallum, Industry Academy Head for the Faculty of Leisure and Lifestyle at City of Glasgow College, said: “The Industry Academy Model is designed to ensure that our students are equipped to meet the needs of employers when they leave college. The Industry Academy of Food and Hospitality will connect students and staff with industry through supporting existing and developing new commercial partnerships.”
All courses provide progression opportunities into industry or further study and all encourage work placements for students of the college’s multi-award-winning study area. Recent accolades include student success at the Europe-wide 2014 Toque D’Or (pictured top with the Countess of Wessex) and at the international Nations Cup event in Michigan. Staff have also been recognised with a host of industry honours, and Head of Food Willie McCurrach serves on the educational committee of the renowned World Association of Chefs Societies.
Industry Academies
Elspeth’s role is to support the faculty’s 11 academic curriculum heads by helping to create a network of specialist Industry Academies. Among the aims of these Industry Academies is to deliver new workplace opportunities and training for students, create professional development opportunities for staff, increase connections with industry; create innovative delivery methods informed by the industry needs and increase new and current commercial partnership opportunities.
City of Glasgow College Principal, Paul Little, said: “Our Industry Academies provide an academic hub supporting collaboration between the college, university education partners and industry. Working in partnership allows us to develop courses, curriculum, qualifications and standards to meet demand for skills at all levels in industry, particularly in areas identified for economic growth.”