Last week, our Hospitality and Catering students welcomed members of the Catering Services Branch from the Royal Navy, who delivered an engaging presentation about careers within the service, the opportunities available, and the benefits of working as part of their team. The visit concluded with an exciting Ready, Steady, Cook–style challenge where students tested their culinary skills in groups. 

The Royal Navy is the United Kingdom’s naval warfare force, responsible for protecting the nation’s seas, supporting global security, and providing humanitarian aid. Operating ships, submarines, aircraft and elite units, the organisation offers a wide range of career specialisms. Alongside these roles, it provides apprenticeships, technical training and leadership pathways both at sea and on shore. 

During the session, the visiting team shared their own career journeys into the Royal Navy, explaining how they began as apprentices before progressing into full-time roles within the catering branch. They spoke about their experiences and the unique opportunities they have had so far in their careers, including catering for high-profile individuals and travelling as part of their work. 

The team also outlined the application process and the health and fitness requirements needed to join the Royal Navy. They reassured students that the process is far less daunting than many people assume, helping to broaden students’ perspectives and boost their confidence in their own eligibility, ability and talent. 

A career in the Royal Navy offers a wide range of personal and professional benefits. These include a competitive salary, strong support and pension schemes, travel opportunities, access to a variety of sports teams, and a range of discounts across shops, events and leisure activities. 

Following the presentation, the team launched the Ready, Steady, Cook challenge. Students were given recipes and ingredients provided by the Royal Navy to create a fishcake with poached egg for the main course and cookies for dessert. They were encouraged to be creative with both the ingredients and seasonings, as well as the presentation of their dishes. The finished plates were then judged by the Royal Navy team on taste, creativity and presentation to determine the winning group. 

The judges were highly impressed with the dishes produced, praising the students for their professionalism and strong teamwork throughout the challenge. They also highlighted the impressive flavours and the unique approaches each group took when preparing and presenting their meals. 

The workshop provided an excellent opportunity for students to work alongside industry professionals and test their skills by preparing new dishes under time pressure. Experiences like this help students develop their techniques, confidence and adaptability while encouraging them to think creatively with the ingredients available. 

Visits such as this also help students gain a better understanding of the wide range of career opportunities within the catering industry beyond the traditional kitchen environment. It highlights alternative career pathways that many students may not have previously considered. 

A huge thank you to the Royal Navy Catering team for taking the time to visit our students, share their career journeys, and deliver such an engaging and hands-on workshop. 

This workshop forms part of the Hospitality and Catering Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys.  

If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.