Wynyard Park's Catering Manager Craig Longstaff with Danielle Jeffries and Jack Chester.
Danielle Jeffries, 17, and Jack Chester, 16, are currently on work placement at Wynyard Park, a 700-acre business park.
They are the latest students from Hartlepool College of Further Education to join the catering team at The Wynyard Rooms – Wynyard Park’s exclusive function room venue – as part of a long-standing arrangement to offer young people training opportunities.
Both are working under the expert supervision of Wynyard Park’s Catering Manager Craig Longstaff who expects high standards from his staff.
He said: “They are spending a year with us and work here four days a week, returning to college to continue their studies on the other day.
“They are learning about all aspects of the catering that we are involved in, including fine dining, event and conference catering and serving our own in-house Java Café bistro.
“As well as learning the skills required to be a successful chef, they are also being trained to understand the importance of the front of house as I believe that unless you have a grasp of what goes on outside the kitchen you can’t be a good and successful chef.”
Danielle who lives in the Throston area of Hartlepool, said: “I’m really enthusiastic and I want to be a top chef so I’m determined to make the most of this opportunity to develop my skills.”
Jack who lives at Wynyard, added: “It’s a great set up here and I feel that I’m learning a lot. I am really enjoying myself.”
Deborah Caygill, Commercial Director at Hartlepool College of Further Education, said: “The experience our students gain from working with such a dynamic employer like The Wynyard Rooms is invaluable. They are able to see first-hand the diverse range of opportunities that catering and hospitality allows. This opportunity allows them to be well-rounded and prepared for full-time employment when they complete their courses.”