Jim Richardson and Ronnie Parrett-Harris talked to the pupils about their careers in hospital catering as part of a project designed to show youngsters the wide range of careers available to them in the NHS.
Iain Robertson, catering operations manager with Solent NHS Estates and Facilities, said: “This was the first careers visit we have tried but it went so well that we now plan to extend the concept to other schools in the Portsmouth area in the new year. It’s fantastic to think our talented team could be helping to inspire the NHS chefs of the future.”
The chefs guided the young people, who are studying BTEC Level 1 and 2 home cooking skills, through a recipe to make cheesy chorizo-stuffed chicken with pesto pasta.
Kate Bance, careers lead at The Harbour School, a special school and alternative provision for children with a range of social, emotional and mental health needs, added: “This was such a positive experience for our pupils. It was great to see them working with the NHS chefs, following recipes, and using ingredients to create delicious dishes. Knowing that career paths like this exist in the NHS is beneficial to our pupils and helps to raise aspirations. Their feedback has been brilliant.”