Grace Academy’s Business Partners Compete in ‘Cook Off’

Grace Academy’s Business Partners Compete in ‘Cook Off’

Thirteen of Grace Academy Solihull’s business partners have put their culinary skills to the test in a ‘Ready Steady Cook’ style event designed to test their prowess in the kitchen!

During the competitive ‘Cook Off’ run by Aspen’s, the Academy’s caterers, the business partners were divided into teams and invited to make a two-course meal with ingredients they could choose from a set larder.

Jason Carter, General Manager, from Aspens, explained:

“Everything else we do to support Grace Academies in Solihull, Coventry and Darlaston is fully focused on the students, so we run this event to help give something back to those businesses who commit so much of their time.”

Grace Academy’s business partners offer support, guidance, and many hours to help prepare its students for the world of work, as part of a wide range of extra-curricular activities organised for the school.

These include a Stock Market Challenge to test the students’ money-making skills on the stock market, a Dragon’s Den style competition to identify budding entrepreneurs, training in CV writing, attitudes and behaviours in a competitive job market, and a World of Work day designed to identify the students’ key skills for success in the workplace.

Yvonne Perry, Business Partnerships Manager, said:

“These are the professionals who keep our business and enterprise specialism on the cutting edge. Without people coming in to teach and challenge students who are in the real world of business, who are having to deal with innovation, business process and change on a daily basis, students wouldn’t get the insight they need into the realities of everyday jobs out there.

“We have found that if students work with professionals from Year 7 onwards, by the time they leave Grace Academy they are full of confidence to make the transition to the world of work.”

After taking part in the ‘Cook Off’, Graham Wood from TESCO said:

“We are trying to open up opportunities for the students and encourage them to realise that their beginnings don’t have to mold their future. We prepare them for the outside world.

“Anyone can do anything as long as you put the effort in. Being in commerce, we have a duty of care for future generations and are working with students in these academies who could be future politicians, lawyers, and business people. We gain pride in having the opportunity to help support the students in this way.”

Sean Clarke, Cost Consultant, MACE, added:

“When you grow up in an academic environment, it can be a shock when you get into the world of work. Private enterprises have a responsibility to help this transition process and we understand the need for this kind of commitment.”

Hannah Taylor, Assistant Account Lead, LaSer UK, whose team won the competition, said:

“I am delighted we won the competition with our risotto and ragout. It’s been great fun and a good opportunity to catch up with everyone, along with a bit of healthy competition too!”