Waveney students are getting all the right ingredients for a successful career in catering.

Cooking skills used to be passed down through generations of family but now millions of people lack the most basic knowledge to make a simple meal.

As part of the Jamie Oliver Food Revolution campaign, the Chef Academy team at the North Suffolk Skills Academy in Halesworth is getting back to basics, helping our young people to cook, eat fresh and stay healthy.

Students entered Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution competition; producing two dishes and one drink from scratch.

Beginning in April, the competition ran over a four-week period.

The students were tasked to research the produce, write their menus and cook the final dishes to be submitted. One of the students cleverly created their own website for their entry.

Overseeing this competition was Stephen David, Chef-Director of Bespoke, who, together with his team of chef’s and catering specialists, are playing a key role in delivering the training at the NSSA’s kitchens.

This allows students to learn in a purpose-built commercial kitchen from qualified, highly-skilled professionals while gaining a vocational qualification.

Stephen was on hand to mentor the students and tasted all of the final dishes.

“The students worked really hard on this project and produced some outstanding menus.

“I’m proud of them all. Jamie Oliver and his team will have a tough job deciding on a winner as to me, they are all winners,” said Mr David.

It’s non-stop for the Chef Academy team.

The NSSA along with Bespoke are delighted to be sponsoring The Little Cookies Cookery Den at this year’s Henham Food Festival being held on June 7 and 8.

Students from the Chef Academy will be taking part in the popular live cookery demonstrations as part of the festival; showcasing their skills in kitchen as they prepare exciting dishes, using local Suffolk ingredients.

They may also have the opportunity to work alongside Stephen as he hosts the hospitality in the VIP chef’s tent.

• Want to be a part of this in 2014?

Applications for the new group of post-16 apprentices are now being taken, to start at the NSSA in September 2014. Please call 01728 452176 and speak to Cathy May or email hr@thorpeness.co.uk for more information