<p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Last week, the Winter Gardens hosted a fantastic Ramadan event to celebrate Iftar, the breaking of fast, where anyone was welcome to attend. With lectures, speeches, prayers, songs and lots of delicious food—it was unmissable and a great way to bring the community together and enrich people in the culture.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Ramadan is a month-long celebration of the Quran where Muslims do not eat or drink during daylight hours; this is known as fasting. Fasting allows Muslims to focus on their faith and remember the month that the Quran was first presented to the Prophet Mohammed. Ramadan takes place on the ninth month of the Islamic calendar which changes every year depending on the moon cycles, but this year, it began on&nbsp;Friday 28 February&nbsp;and will end on&nbsp;Sunday 30 March.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">At the Winter Gardens event, the evening commenced with a recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by captivating performances by Birmingham’s Nasheed group, Shaam. Aishah Ahmed from Aishah’s Food Charity, the organisation behind this event and the provider of the heaps of fantastic food, delivered an inspiring speech, highlighting their efforts and the importance of the event. This was followed by a lecture on the significance of Ramadan and a prayer before the sunset and the attendees broke their fast, indulging in the delicious spread.</span></p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;The Winter Gardens full of people celebrating the Ramadan event&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4eaa28e3-cb41-48b8-b8da-69ea8d2b654b" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-top:16px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Aishah’s Food Charity prepared trays of food for each table, including roast chicken pieces, vegetable pakora, vegetable samosas, lamb, chicken and vegetable biryani, Dall soup, and baklava for dessert.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">This charity was set up by Aishah Ahmed, a 21-year-old Law student who wanted to help reduce hunger in Weston-super-Mare by setting up a hot meal foodbank every Wednesday evening to help those in need. She wanted to follow in her dad’s footsteps, Sayd Ahmed, who has a long reputation for similar work in the community. All the food was delicious and packed with flavour and heart which everyone in the room enjoyed.</span></p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Hospitality and Catering students and staff standing smiling with Sayd Ahmed&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="92f0cec8-ec24-4413-b1bc-9352d87fbb23" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-top:16px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">In order to immerse our students in this religious occasion, our&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hospi…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hospi…; target="_blank"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Level 2 Hospitality and Catering</span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> learners assisted in the preparation of some of the food. During a workshop with local business owner, Syed, our students learnt how to make chicken biryani and vegetable pakora, focusing highly on the spices used. They even got to attend the event themselves to enrich themselves in the culture and gain a better understanding of Ramadan, as well as assisting in serving the dishes to the community.</span></p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Syed cutting marinated chicken into pieces for the students to taste test&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7a5e3908-290d-43e3-9db9-c80a202e2aba" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-top:16px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">The evening continued with other speeches from influential people from around Weston-super-Mare, lessons surrounding breaking the fast and the end of the fasting period, and concluding with a final performance from Nasheed by Shaam Group and closing ceremony remarks.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">This event had over 500 attendees from in and around Weston-super-Mare, welcoming everyone with open arms to learn about their religion and celebrate this event with the community as a whole. With delicious food, amazing company, and fantastic music, this event was a great way to celebrate Ramadan and Iftar, experiencing the cultural traditions and educating everyone about its importance.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">A big thank you to Aishah’s Food Charity for organising this event and allowing our&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hospi…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hospi…; target="_blank"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Hospitality and Catering</span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> students to be a part of it.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">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.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-top:16px;"><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hospi…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hospi…; target="_blank"><span style="font-size:inherit;">If you’re interested in applying to one of our Hospitality and Catering courses, click here.</span></a></p>

<p style="margin-bottom:8px;">Ewan, a <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hospi…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hospi…; target="_blank">Hospitality and Catering Apprentice</a>, has been working hard during his placement at COR Restaurant, where his dedication and growth have not gone unnoticed. Over the past six months, Ewan’s efforts and professionalism have impressed the team at COR so much that they took to social media to celebrate his achievements.</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;">In a glowing post, the restaurant described Ewan as a polite professional and highlighted his enthusiasm, team spirit, and hunger to learn. They praised his initiative, noting his ability to create a delicious tiramisu and expressing excitement for his continued development in 2025.</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;">Ewan is in his second year of a <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hospi…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hospi…; target="_blank">Level 2 Hospitality and Catering Apprenticeship</a> with Weston College and shared insights about his journey so far. He described his apprenticeship as highly educational and credited COR Restaurant for providing a welcoming environment where the team’s kindness and support have helped him grow. One of his favourite aspects of the experience has been learning from the talented chefs he works alongside, an opportunity he believes has significantly boosted his skills, knowledge, and confidence.</p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Hospitality and Catering Apprentice, Ewan, at COR restaurant&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8bf39fa6-be4a-44be-b9d6-cf49274cdda9" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p style="margin-bottom:8px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;">Ewan chose his apprenticeship because it offered the practical, hands-on experience he needed to thrive in the catering industry. He values the supportive nature of his workplace and colleagues, who have helped him navigate any challenges that arise. Reflecting on his time at Weston College, he commended the staff and praised the excellent kitchen facilities, which have further enriched his learning experience.</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;">For those considering an apprenticeship, Ewan emphasised the importance of having a genuine passion for the field. He encouraged future learners to pursue apprenticeships if they are clear about their interests and career aspirations, as the experience provides invaluable real-world learning and growth opportunities.</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;">Ewan’s journey so far stands as a testament to how dedication, curiosity, and the right support can set the stage for a bright future in the hospitality industry.</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;">Thank you to COR Restaurant for giving Ewan this opportunity and providing him with a supportive, hands-on environment that is encouraging his growth and building confidence in his ability.</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;"><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hospi…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hospi…; target="_blank">If you are interested in applying for a Hospitality and Catering Apprenticeship, click here.</a></p>

<p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">The </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hospi…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hospi…; target="_blank">Hospitality and Catering</a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> students have had many amazing masterclasses recently that have helped to develop their skills but also improve their confidence to produce show-stopping dishes that are delicious and presented to a very high-quality.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Recently, the learners’ skills were once again put to the test when the Royal Navy joined the learners for the day and held an exciting Ready, Steady, Cook workshop. This MasterChef-style workshop was around 2.5 hours long and allowed the learners to use their initiative and creativity their dishes.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">The students were split into teams of up to 5 people and given a box of ingredients with recipe sheets for two dishes – a main course and a dessert. The learners had to work together to produce and present their meals which improved their communication, teamwork and delegation skills to prepare them for a professional kitchen environment.&nbsp;</span></p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Eton Mess dessert made by learners&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dbec06da-0ca9-48a3-a08b-26742c562e17" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Each group had 90 minutes to create their dishes for tasting, with some guidance from the Royal Navy chefs as they went along. The chefs were impressed with how well their creations turned out, as well as their professionalism and team working abilities.&nbsp;</span></p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Chicken dish made by learners&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="32ca1239-21ea-4c96-83ea-c87762e0553b" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p>&nbsp;</p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Once the workshop was complete, the Royal Navy members outlined the pathways and perks to joining the Royal Navy as a chef. They discussed the benefits and opportunities of working in the Navy, the application process, and the required training.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">To work in the Royal Navy, the learners also discovered that no matter the role, you are required to go through at least three phases of training and you require a secondary role. For the Navy chefs visiting, they were both fully trained fire fighters in case of emergencies, but it also allows them to take the qualification elsewhere.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">The learners were very engaged throughout the session, hearing all the fantastic opportunities that the Royal Navy has to offer, as well as being the epitome of professionalism during their Ready, Steady, Cook workshop.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">We are deeply grateful to the Royal Navy for their exceptional support and commitment as a Career Excellence Hub partner. Their dedication to fostering opportunities and inspiring excellence provides invaluable guidance and resources for our students, paving the way for future generations to achieve their aspirations and gain professional development within the </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hospi…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hospi…; target="_blank">Hospitality and Catering</a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> sector.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:0;margin-top:0px;"><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hospi…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hospi…; target="_blank">If you are interested in joining one of our Hospitality and Catering courses next September, click here.</a></p>