Let's Cook! Programme, Irvine, North Ayrshire

Springboard Scotland, Let’s Cook! Programme – Irvine, North Ayrshire
January – March 2013

Celebration Lunch

A group of 7 young people from the North Ayrshire area, who've been facing some challenges in their lives, have been attending Springboard’s innovative ‘Let’s Cook!’ programme funded by the Young Start Fund and based in the new commercial cooking facility at Irvine Royal Academy. This programme was written by Fiona Colley, Project Manager at Springboard Scotland and delivered by Programme Manager Sandra Berwick, in partnership with North Ayrshire Council, the Cook School Scotland and their Resident Chef Michael George. http://www.cookschool.org/about-us/chefs/michael-george/ .

Every Friday for ten weeks, the group committed themselves to working in a professional kitchen environment to learn the skills and attitudes that will help them move in life with purpose and confidence.

They prepared and cooked a delicious end of programme Celebration Lunch on Friday 15^th March, where guests heard all about the programme and their achievements.

Every Thursday the group attended an ‘Industry Visit’ or participated in Employability Skills Workshops. A big thank you goes to the following Industry Partners, not only for hosting these excellent visits, but for their compassion and commitment, helping the Let’s Cook! Programme and the young people achieve success!


Thank you to…

• Managing Director Craig Stevenson, Chefs Michael George & Heather Hood at Braehead Foods & the Cook School Scotland
• Gailes Hotel, Irvine
• The Harbour Arts Centre, Irvine
• Malin Court Hotel, Turnberry
• Piersland Hotel, Troon
• Chef Jav Aziz & the Hospitality Team at Glasgow Rangers
• Crosshouse Hospital Kitchen
• Menzies Hotel, Irvine

With the support of Sandra at Springboard, the group will now complete their first CV then embark on a Hospitality Industry ‘Work Experience’ placement within a Cheffing role.

About the Programme

This programme was designed to support young people aged 15 & 16 to develop the skills, and learn the attitudes, that will help them succeed in gaining and sustaining employment.

Through the medium of practical cookery, Let's Cook! has enabled young people to actively participate in, and learn about, the whole process of eating - from the raw ingredients, through the preparation and cooking to finally serving and consuming. All aspects were hands-on, creating an exciting environment of discovery, and enjoyment, in the whole food journey. It has also informed and inspired about the range of career opportunities throughout. Throughout the programme, confidence and self-esteem have been built, a 'can-do' attitude engendered and skills learned have included: teamwork; working to deadlines; organisation and forward planning; communication; negotiation; social skills; problem solving; creativity; presentation; effectively carrying out instructions; use of initiative; practical skills.

Participants have also gained qualifications in Customer Care and Food Hygiene.

Programme activities have taken place 2 days each week for 10 weeks, culminating in the cooking and serving of food and refreshments at the celebration event - organised and managed by the participants themselves.

Blog Post written by Sandra Berwick, Programme Manager, at Springboard UK. 15/03/13