Exploring Careers Through Cooking: Knowle DGE Students Visit The Mazi Project

Students from Knowle DGE recently took part in an inspiring two‑day careers and employability experience with The Mazi Project, a Bristol‑based charity dedicated to empowering disadvantaged young people through access to good food, cooking skills, and community. The partnership offered students a hands‑on introduction to the world of food, hospitality, and social enterprise—while also giving them the chance to cook, collaborate, and build confidence.

The first session took place in school, where representatives from The Mazi Project introduced the charity’s mission and aims and worked with students to explore the range of careers within the food sector—from chefs, and food producers to logistics coordinators, charity workers, and food educators. This opened students’ eyes to the breadth of opportunities available and helped them see how their own strengths could fit into different pathways within the industry.

Crucially, the in-school workshop finished with the group planning the meal they would later cook at The Mazi Project kitchen. This planning stage encouraged decision‑making, communication, and negotiation.

The following day, students travelled to The Mazi Project kitchen, where the experience truly came to life. Stepping into a working kitchen environment, they quickly adapted to the expectations of teamwork, organisation, and focus. Under the guidance of staff, they chopped, stirred, seasoned, and cooked. Everyone had a role and everyone worked as a team to bring everything together. The final meal was a genuine team achievement, and sitting down together to share what they had created was a proud moment for everyone involved.

Overall, it was a fantastic experience for the students to not only gain essential employability skills such as teamwork, communication, resilience, and independence, but build confidence and celebrate their successes. A huge Thanks to The Mazi Project – students left with new knowledge, new skills, and a deeper understanding of how food can bring people together and open doors to future opportunities. And a massive well done to the students at Knowle for all their hard work and energy.

 

Funded by The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.