STUDENTS from Newcastle College have been given a taste of life working in the hospitality industry after a partnership with Sweet Rewards dining loyalty card and Asian-fusion restaurant Sohe.
First year hospitality students were given a lesson in the art of sushi making from the Jesmond-based restaurant, learning new skills in Asian-fusion cuisine.
Sohe’s dedicated sushi chef, Obi Wilson, led the session, which gave students a masterclass in Asian cooking and allowed them to put new found skills into practice, replicating a range of Sohe’s most popular sushi dishes.
Two students, Chelsea Lee Lowry, 18, from Cramlington and Lewis Payne, 18, from Newcastle, were also offered the chance to experience working in Sohe’s kitchen, as their sushi dishes particularly impressed Obi.
Chelsea said: “I really enjoyed finding out more about Asian cooking from Obi. Having masterclass sessions from chefs really brings to life what can be achieved when starting a career in this industry. I’m so pleased I won and can’t wait to experience cooking in the Sohe kitchen!”
Andy Brown, section manager for hospitality at Newcastle College, said: “We aim to give our hospitality students as much exposure to industry as possible through work placements, trips and masterclasses with top restaurants. Our partnership with Sohe is another shining example of how our students can gain extra skills and knowledge that just cannot be taught in the classroom.
“Our students have thoroughly enjoyed working with Sohe as it has allowed them to develop new skills in Asian-fusion cuisine. We are extremely grateful to the restaurant and chef Obi for supporting our curriculum and for giving up his time to share his expertise.”
Obi added: “Chefs who are skilled in Asian-fusion cooking and in sushi making in particular are hard to come by as these areas are not commonly covered as part of hospitality qualifications, so we were keen to partner with Newcastle College to help students develop these skills.
“It was a pleasure to work with the first year hospitality students, giving them an insight into life working in the hospitality industry and helping them to develop their skills – what a talented bunch.”
For more information on Sohe visit www.sohe.co.uk or call 0191 281 8161.