Coleg Cambria and Wrexham AFC cook up new hospitality scheme

Coleg Cambria and Wrexham AFC have cooked-up a scheme that will support future generations of hospitality workers.

Students from the award-winning college are training alongside the club’s kitchen and service staff on match days at the Racecourse ground.

They will also be on hand to attend events and functions at the world’s oldest international football stadium, giving them valuable, hands-on experience as part of their Professional Cooking qualification.

Andy Woods, Cambria’s deputy director of hospitality and catering, says the partnership will benefit both parties as the club chef and other staff are also spending time learning and developing their skills at the college, which has sites across Wrexham and Flintshire.

“We have been working together since the beginning of the year and it’s already been very successful, said Mr Woods.

“We have 15 students supporting the club on match days and helping them to develop their service, menus and hospitality offering.

“In turn they are giving the students valuable work experience that will be a major advantage in the long run, giving them a taste of what it’s like to have a future in the sector.”

Phil Bennett, stadium operations manager at Wrexham AFC, added: “We were delighted to form this partnership with Coleg Cambria, it’s been of huge value to both the students and our catering and service staff.

“Together we are growing, and the club is committed to supporting both the community and education in the region.
“They’ve been a great signing for Wrexham FC! We look forward to developing the relationship over future seasons.”

The news comes after Coleg Cambria unveiled the new-look Hafod restaurant at its Yale site in Wrexham, which, along with Y Celstryn in Deeside received glowing reviews from the AA.

Hafod achieved a highly commended rosette and was recognised as a centre of excellence for food and beverage service, while Y Celstryn achieved a rosette award.

Mr Woods said: “Both resturants are open to the public and offer students the opportunity to work alongside our fantastic chefs and waiting on team, whilst providing the highest standard of food and service.

“To have had this recognised and rewarded by such a prestigious organisation shows that we are moving in the right direction.”

He added: “Our partnership with Wrexham FC is one of a number of new alliances we have progressed in the last year, focused on giving the students a platform on which to build their careers while joining forces with major organisations across the region.

“It’s a very exciting time for the Hospitality and Catering team, and this is just the beginning.”

Hafod and Y Celstryn restaurants are open to the public on set days during term time.

Further information on both venues and the wide range of courses on offer at Coleg Cambria can be found here.