Selby College’s Hospitality & Catering Department ended the academic year on a high with a prestigious awards ceremony.

Hospitality & Catering students were joined by their loved ones as they celebrated their successes over the past academic year.

Acknowledging the students’ achievements both in the kitchen and at the front of house, several accolades were presented throughout the evening by former student Kurtus Auty, who is now an experienced and successful chef in the industry. These include:

• Level 2 Chef of the Year - Brooke Smith
• Level 3 Chef of the Year – Charlee Jo Pearson
• Level 2 Restaurant Student of the Year Award – Oli Koza
• Level 3 Restaurant Student of the Year Award – Brandon Franklin
• Outstanding achievement - Charlee-Jo Pearson and Ellie Langton
• Endeavour Award - Cole Finnerty
• Student of the Year – Ellie Langton

Many students have landed themselves full-time roles working out in the industry, with Ruben Liddell working as a Chef at The Oaks Golf Club and Spa, Ellie Langton working in the kitchen at the Fox Inn, Thorpe Willoughby, Jake Taylor training to become a Butcher at C Dawson & Sons in Selby.

Since leaving Selby College, Kurtus Auty has worked in chef roles at a number of Michelin star restaurants, including Gordon Ramsay’s Mayfair restaurant Maze in London and Le Pressoir d’Argent in Bordeaux in France, The Cliff, in Barbados and Pétrus in Knightsbridge.

Kurtus now works as an Executive Chef at Bosuns in York, where student Charlee-Jo has secured a full-time job after achieving a Distinction on her course.

The College currently offers a Level 2 Culinary Skills programme which enables students to develop their knowledge of food processing, cookery and kitchen operations and menu design in its working kitchens and restaurant.

Starting in September 2024, the Department will also be delivering a Level 1 Diploma in Hospitality & Catering for those who are interested in starting their educational journey in the sector.

Learners will be able to progress onto the Level 2 Culinary Skills programme or into entry roles across a range of settings, such as restaurants, hotels, visitor attractions and more.