Rhyl High School
A Unique Two-Day Event in Denbighshire: Hospitality & Tourism Comes to Life
The bustling coastal town of Rhyl played host to an immersive two-day event, held on 27th and 28th February 2024 at Rhyl High School, bringing together hundreds of enthusiastic students from schools across Denbighshire to showcase the very best of the Hospitality & Tourism sectors. Over 400 students, ranging from Year 7 to Year 10, were treated to a packed schedule of hands-on activities, live demonstrations, and interactive workshops designed to inspire and engage the next generation of hospitality and tourism talent.
Funded by the SPF Fund, the Tourism Talent Pathfinder Project focuses on developing the skills needed to succeed in the sector, improving career prospects, and fostering long-term interest in the industry. The organisers extend heartfelt thanks to the staff at Rhyl High School for their warm hospitality and seamless organisation.
The School Food Showdown: A Memorable Culinary Experience
A highlight of the event was the School Food Showdown, an interactive and dynamic healthy eating roadshow. Both fun and educational, the activity (led by Chef Ben) encouraged students to get excited about food in an engaging and hands-on way. They were split into two teams, the Red Chillis and the Green Peas, and competed to cook the healthiest, most balanced meal in just 15 minutes. With expert guidance, the students learned valuable skills about nutrition and healthy eating while gaining confidence in the kitchen.
Professional Cooking Demonstration: Learning from the Best
Students experienced live cooking demonstrations by industry expert Chef Jimmy Williams of Signatures Restaurant in Conwy. Chef Jimmy, double winner of the Best Welsh Restaurant Award, showcased his skills in the professional demo kitchen (supplied by The Cookery Theatre Co.), giving students a glimpse of the high standards and creativity involved in top-tier culinary arts. With Chef Chris, he prepared a delicious bacon and pea risotto, with a vegetarian option of mushroom and pea that students could sample afterward with take-home recipe cards so they could try their hand at cooking the recipe themselves.
Hands-On Cookery Workshop
Last but certainly not least, Glen Hughes, service industries lecturer at Coleg Llandrillo, led a hands-on cookery workshop. Glen guided students through the process of making a traditional korma, providing valuable insights into both the art of cooking and the hospitality industry. Throughout the workshop, students learned about key ingredients, cooking techniques, and the importance of preparation, all of which are essential skills for anyone looking to succeed in the culinary world. Glen’s wealth of experience and passion for the industry left students with a greater understanding of the craft.
Tourism Talent Pathfinder: Shaping Future Careers
As part of the broader mission of the Tourism Talent Pathfinder, this event offered valuable insights into the tourism and hospitality sectors and the diverse range of careers available within the industries, providing students with the knowledge and skills to pursue a career in these exciting and growing sectors.
