Chef apprentices at Taunton College were given a unique opportunity to showcase their culinary skills when renowned food writer, broadcaster and restaurant owner William Sitwell visited the College to judge a special culinary competition.
William, who is well known for his work as a food critic for The Telegraph, appearances on MasterChef, and as the owner of The White Hart hotel in Wiveliscombe, visited Taunton College on Monday 8 June to meet Level 2 Chef Apprentices and assess their practical skills.
The visit began with William touring the kitchens, speaking with apprentices about their training and observing them as they prepared their competition dishes. Each apprentice was challenged to create two dishes, demonstrating the technical skills, creativity and professionalism they have developed throughout their apprenticeship.
Judging commenced with William tasting and evaluating each dish before selecting two joint winners from a highly competitive field.
The competition provided apprentices with invaluable experience, giving them the opportunity to work under pressure and receive feedback from one of the UK’s most respected food writers and hospitality figures.
Adam Sturt, Principal of Taunton College, said:
Having someone of William’s calibre visit the College was a fantastic opportunity for our apprentices. Not only did it enable them to showcase their talent, but it also provided invaluable insight into the standards and expectations of the hospitality industry. We are incredibly proud of the professionalism, creativity and technical skill demonstrated – their confidence, teamwork and dedication were clear to see and bode very well for their future careers.
Speaking about the event, William praised the commitment and enthusiasm shown by the learners throughout the competition.
The visit reflects UCS College Group’s commitment to providing learners with meaningful industry experiences and opportunities to engage with leading professionals from across their chosen sectors.
Congratulations to all of the apprentices who participated and to the two joint winners for their outstanding performances.
