Army Reservists from the Prince William of Gloucester Barracks in Grantham have been putting students’ skills to the test during an Army Catering Day at Lincoln College.

Around 80 level one, two and three catering and hospitality students took part in several activities including a Ready, Steady Cook-style challenge during which they had to create and cook a two-course meal for 10 people using an operational ration pack.

They also had a tour of a mobile field kitchen which the Army uses to prepare food for troops when they are on exercise in the field or on operations abroad.

Recruiting Staff Sergeant Simon Jefferies said he was pleasantly surprised by the students’ overall interest and enthusiasm.

“Many of the young people we met today had preconceived ideas about the Army but we’ve managed to dispel those myths and hopefully they now see the 167 Catering Support Regiment as a feasible option for part-time employment in the future and a way of adding value to their CV,” explained Sergeant Jefferies.

“As an Army Reserve chef, you could be called upon to join a team anywhere in the world, setting up a field kitchen in a forest or preparing a formal regimental dinner for 150 diners.

“It’s fantastic for anyone who wants to do something different and challenging and improve their opportunities for employment outside the Army.”

Head of Business at Lincoln College, John Tofts added: “We have a saying here that you need to learn more to earn more, which basically means the more skills you acquire. the higher your earning capacity in later life.

“Being an Army Reservist proves to employers that you are hard-working, determined and a competent team player and have excellent communications skills, which means a job once you’ve finished education or training is virtually guaranteed.”

Hospitality student, Robyn Thomas, 17, from Lincoln said she really enjoyed the experience: “You don’t normally hear much about the different roles in the Army, other than the infantry who are part of the front line, so it was really interesting to learn more about the Catering Support Regiment.

“I can’t believe how small the field kitchen is and it is staggering to think they can prepare and cook a meal for up to 50 people in such a confined space with very limited equipment.

“When I leave college I want to set up a bakery but I think the day has really inspired some of my friends who are now considering a career in the army.”

Claire MacCallum, also 17 from Newark, added: “I’ve learnt a lot about the regiment and enjoyed the cooking challenge using the ration packs which contain more food than I thought they would. It was also interesting to find out how many calories soldiers need to consume to maintain their weight and energy levels and how the Army caters for different religions and people with different conditions such as Coeliac Disease.

“I might consider becoming an Army Reservist later on in life but at the moment I’m concentrating on my studies and hope to become a pastry chef.”

Ends

Notes to Editors

About Lincoln College:
• Lincoln College is the largest educational institution in the county with 10,000 students across three campuses in Lincoln, Gainsborough and Newark.
• It is the largest provider of business training and skills in Lincolnshire providing training for around 1,200 businesses in Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire.
• The college is rated Outstanding by Ofsted and has a wide range of full, part-time and short courses for students aged 16 and above, including university-level courses.

About The Lincoln College Group:
• Founded upon a concept of ‘synergy’, The Lincoln College Group comprises a number of like-minded organisations with a shared purpose of providing exceptional education, training and related services to their students.
• Currently providing secondary, further and higher education, the Group includes Lincoln College (with its campuses in Lincoln, Newark and Gainsborough and operations in China) and two secondary school academies: The Newark Academy and The Gainsborough Academy. It also encompasses Deans Sport and Leisure, a commercial sports centre based in Lincoln City Centre.
• Lincoln College International, a project to develop and run three Colleges in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the latest addition to the Group.
• The Lincoln College Group is also the lead sponsor of the Lincoln UTC which opened in September 2014.