Innovation, excellence and dedication in the field of hospitality and catering training and education were recognised at the PACE (Professional Association for Catering Education) Awards 2016, last night.
Hospitality and culinary education professionals celebrated an inspirational range of winners at the esteemed annual awards event. The impressive examples of outstanding learning initiatives and techniques in hospitality training and development were testament to the exceptional contributions of the winners and all the finalists.
The esteemed Lifetime Achievement and National Chairman’s Awards brought the awards dinner to its grand finale.
The Lifetime Achievement Award honoured Andrew Green of the Craft Guild of Chefs for his positive support of college training and education across the UK throughout his career. He has championed culinary competitions for students, encouraging participating colleges to raise the standards of learners and apprentices. Andrew also recognises and leverages the privilege of his position in the Craft Guild of Chefs, both as a past Chairman and now as the Central Office Manager, to inspire, support and grow the delivery of essential training for chefs across all curriculums. He has a wealthy track record for doing this and working directly with associated colleges – either via PACE or the Craft Guild of Chefs.
Geoff Booth, National Chair, PACE, awarded the National Chairman’s Award to the inimitable Fred Sirieix of Galvins at Windows. Fred was praised for his tireless enthusiasm and energy in raising the profile of restaurant service and management and promoting its benefits and career opportunities. From his inspiring television work, Art of Service board game and training programme through to providing work experience placements, engaging learners in danger of falling out of the employment system, supporting the training of prisoners and ongoing charity work, Geoff described Fred as a real champion and advocate of the industry and a worthy winner of the award.
Talking about the PACE Awards 2016, Geoff Booth, said: “Once again, the winners of the PACE Awards have demonstrated the remarkable level of commitment, talent and ingenuity that individuals and teams working within the hospitality and catering education sector possess. Year on year, regardless of the challenges presented, they develop innovative and engaging methods of raising standards in teaching and inspiring the next generation of industry professionals.
“I congratulate all of this year’s worthy winners. With the abundance of creativity and progressive thinking in the training and education sector, we can be sure that hospitality and catering training and education is in safe hands and will continue to enthuse and prepare students for a successful and dynamic career in our industry.”
Sue Kenyon, Director, PACE; Fred Sirieix of Galvins at Windows; Geoff Booth, National Chair, PACEThe 2016 PACE Awards winners:
Partnership with Industry Award – Jason Benn, Nelson & Colne College
Jason scooped this award for building a successful partnership that clearly benefits a diverse range of learners, including vocational students and apprentices. Developed through an eclectic range of motivating learning activities, the impressive and mutually rewarding partnership has resulted in excellent vocational pass rates and high levels of progression into employment.
Best Chef Lecturer Award – Greg Cheeseman, Eastleigh College
The nurturing environment developed by Greg to prepare a broad range of students effectively for the demands of the industry stood out for the judges. Innovative learning programmes and creative extra-curricular activities ensure a challenging and rewarding learning journey with very good progression routes and successful outcomes.
Best Hospitality Lecturer Award – Kristen Henderson, Lakefield Hospitality College
Kristen shone for the dedication, inspiration and enthusiasm with which she has mentored and trained a diverse group of students. She has developed a wide range of challenging activities, including competition work and e-learning, and forged excellent links with industry. Her students’ achievements include City and Guilds medals of excellence and progression into noteworthy establishments.
Best Restaurant Service Lecturer – Andrew Bisconti, University College Birmingham
Andrew left the judges with no doubt that he has successfully mentored a very wide range of students from schools through to Higher Education. With a very clear emphasis on identifying and supporting the needs of the individual he develops and employs a range of teaching practices, technologies, interactive materials and industry links to engage students and enrich the curriculum experience.
Award for Environmental Sustainability Award – Glynn Mason, Manchester College
The judges were impressed by the innovative, community-engaging scheme that the college has helped develop. Students and community members have been involved in low cost, low input sustainable growing methods that have also increased their understanding of health and nutrition. Activities include food grown in a GeoDome greenhouse, the production of sustainable food for the College restaurant, and the opening of a cooking space at the local market.
Lifetime Achievement Award – Andrew Green, Craft Guild of Chefs
National Chairman’s Award – Fred Sirieix, Galvins at Windows
The PACE Awards, a highlight of the PACE Learning & Development Forum 2016, took place on the evening of 10 March at the Hilton London Docklands
For more information on the PACE Awards 2016 click here