Aspiring hospitality students compete

Aspiring hospitality students from local secondary schools are coming together as part of the UCOL Secondary School Hospitality Competition to put their skills to the test.

This competition allows them a chance to showcase their talents and creative skills.

From cupcakes presented in style as part of a static display, through to a live kitchen class where a pasta dish of their choice are prepared and cooked in just 60 minutes, it promises to put our upcoming foodies to the test.

Those wanting to test their beverage skills can accept the challenge of coming up and producing two original and innovative mocktails in just 15 minutes, or showcase their barista skills.

UCOL Hospitality and Chef Programme Leader Ian Drew says “This is an event I look forward to every time it rolls around, it provides such a unique opportunity”.

“It’s a great way to test if this is the future career, the students that take part in this competition get to experience industry standard judging cooking in a commercial environment. It’s a great way to be creative, have fun and challenge themselves.”

For those wanting to enter, they need to be in Year 11, 12 or 13 students studying Hospitality. Competition entries can be downloaded from the UCOL Secondary Schools Hospitality Competition page.

Competitions will be held in August across 3 locations (Whanganui 17 August, Palmerston North 24 August and Wairarapa 30 August).

Ian’s advice for those wanting to sign-up  “We wish everyone well and recognise that it is a brave thing you do – to put yourself “out there” in competition. Our sincere ‘thanks’ to the many coaches and supporters – without you this just could not happen. Above all give it a go, enter, and enjoy yourselves!”