Hospitality in Action for BANES HER Open Day!
Earlier this term, Bristol WORKS supported students at BANES HER as part of an exciting Open Event for current and perspective students. As part of the day, students were able to test their culinary skills by preparing yummy treats for their guests as well as supporting a luxury and interactive Beauty Stall, all with the help of our expert employers from FoodWorks and MacDonald Bath Spa Hotel. 
We kicked off the day in the kitchen with Zoe who is a food consultant at FoodWorks and whom is based in Western-Super-Mare. Zoe explained the rules of a safe and clean kitchen before telling us a bit about her role, journey into food consultancy and her experiences as a chef. Students learnt about the various routes into the industry, including starting with part-time jobs as well as apprenticeships. Zoe explained how the industry is brilliant for creative minds and it offers opportunities to travel in and outside of the UK! We then got started and split into two groups: Team Date Balls and Team Rocky Road! Both groups demonstrated excellent teamwork, leadership and communication skills as they worked together to create their delicious, sweet treats. After wiping down our workspaces (and licking a spoon or two), the goodies went into the fridge to set ahead of serving time!
As visitors began to arrive, students were invited to support on a stall run by the Beauty Therapist team at MacDonald Bath Spa Hotel. Students discovered all about the world of beauty and were encouraged to try the variety of luxury skincare products stocked in the Spa itself, including hand moisturisers, body creams and oils. Beauty Therapists Maria and Elise then treated students to hand and arm massages – which were needed after a busy morning of baking! Students learnt about the main skills a therapist needs – empathy, compassion and excellent communication skills and were given a chance to apply their newfound skills and offer relaxing hand massages to friends and visitors.
The Open Session at BANES was a brilliant way for students to
meet new employers and learn more about alternative career paths available within the hospitality and food industry. Students asked insightful questions and found the session to be very engaging! Overall, it was an excellent day – thank you to the staff at BANES HER for involving Bristol WORKS, to our employers at FoodWorks and MacDonald Bath Spa Hotel, and of course to the students and visitors who got so involved on the day itself!
Our work in provisions out of Bristol has been funded through the Careers and Enterprise Company & The West of England Combined Authority.
