David Jones has successfully completed the Chef level of the Applied Ability Award (Triple A).  The award is presented to chefs, who under test conditions, can demonstrate their ability to work to the professional standard expected of an accomplished Kitchen and Larder Chef working without supervision.

The Award is an independent qualification designed and delivered by industry for industry in order to provide the benchmarks that will define, develop and promote craft skills.

To achieve this award David had to complete a one day examination, comprising of a three and a half hour practical worth 70% of the marks, an online knowledge test to be completed within one hour for 20% of the marks and then a twenty minute interview for the remaining 10%.  David had to demonstrate practical and knowledge skills in hygiene, health and safety, food preparation and cooking.

Coleg Powys Assessor Sheena McAllister helped David prepare for the examination.  A full skill scan was completed to show what areas needed to be worked on to develop David’s skills further.  They also spent time on practical work and going through test knowledge questions.

All David’s preparation for the Triple A award paid off earlier this year when he passed the exam.

David said: “I am over the moon that I passed; I couldn’t have done it without the support and encouragement of my Coleg Powys assessor.” 

David has completed the Level 3 Professional Cookery course at Coleg Powys and is now doing the Supervision and Leadership Level 3 course.

We would like to thank everyone who came to support us at the Royal Welsh Show.  The event was a great success with the Hair & Beauty department raising £73.47 for Bracken Trust by offering visitors various treatments, including facial massages, hair plaiting and nail polishing.

The Catering department also made cheese sticks and fruit sticks for visitors to try, as well as decorated cupcakes.

In addition, the beauty department were kept busy at the BBC Cymru building where they were painting nails in a mock up of ‘Salon Cheryl’, which is from the popular Welsh language soap ‘Pobol y Cwm’.

Thank you once again for your support at this event.

Coleg Powys is providing a series of demonstrations on stand D302 at this year’s Royal Welsh. On each morning between 10am and 12pm, staff and students from the hair and beauty department will be demonstrating their skills through a range of activities, including massage, plaiting and twisting, indian head massage, nail filing and polishing, fitness work and reflexology.  Treatments will be offered to members of the public with donations going to The Bracken Trust.

Staff and students from the catering department will also be providing some demonstrations on the Thursday at 10.30am-12pm and 1pm-2.30pm.  They will be decorating cupcakes and producing Welsh cheese sticks with local organic fruit and vegetables.

You will also find some of our beauty students at the BBC Cymru Wales building throughout the week, where they will be offering nail shaping and polishing for a donation of £3 for Children in Need.  They will be doing the treatments in a mock-up of ‘Salon Sheryl’, which is from the popular Welsh language soap ‘Pobol y Cwm’.

Please come and support us at stand D302 and the BBC Cymru Wales building.

Staff will also be available throughout the week to provide information about courses.

Colegau Cymru has kindly allowed us to be part of their stand this year, along with four other colleges from Wales.

Programme of Activities on the Colegau Cymru stand

Top comedian Reginald D Hunter entertained a full house at Theatr Hafren on Thursday 6th May. Themes Restaurant were also busy, with Coleg Powys students preparing a pre performance dinner for the audience and also catering for the stand-up act Reginald D Hunter and his support act Steve Hughes. Themes Restaurant has collaborated with Theatr Hafren on various events in the past and it seems there is a natural marriage between the theatre and Coleg Powys Catering department.  Sara Clutton, Theatr Hafren Administrator says “I’m delighted that we can work with my colleague Chris Yapp in the catering department in offering this fantastic new service to our customers.  Themes students pre performance meals are of a high quality and offer real value for money.”

Pre performance dinners provide Coleg Powys students with a realistic working environment and a great opportunity to showcase their talent, not only to the public, but also to such an international star. Reginald complemented the meal and said it was “the best meal I’ve eaten in months”. Chris Yapp, Catering Lecturer says “pre performance dinners are a fantastic opportunity for students to operate another dining experience for local people. Students are now coming to an end of their Pathways to Apprenticeship and I am very proud of their continued success.”

Pre performance dinners have proven to be extremely successful at Themes Restaurant and it is now expected to be a regular event. These evenings will be publicised in Theatr Hafren’s Autumn brochure, Theatr Hafren’s website (www.theatrhafren.co.uk) and on the theatre’s facebook site so be the first to book and make a real evening out of your visit to the theatre!

Amy Roderick has been awarded the Highly Commended Certificate, as part of the City & Guilds Medal of Excellence, to acknowledge the excellent work she has done to complete the Hospitality Supervision Level 3 Apprenticeship.

Amy works as the Front of House Manager at The Metropole in Llandrindod Wells.  She first joined the company as receptionist with no experience or qualifications.  She has since completed the NVQ Level 2 in Front Office, which resulted in a promotion and then she completed the Level 3 to provide her with the necessary skills to supervise her team.

The judges commented that the portfolio showed progression and knowledge of understanding, with good work products.

Amy has been mentored by Coleg Powys Assessor Sheena McAllister throughout her studies and has managed to overcome some of the supervisory barriers with the guidance and support of Sheena.

Amy said: “I am really pleased to win this certificate and to be acknowledged for all the hard work I have put in to the course.  I am very grateful to The Metropole for allowing me to progress and for supporting me through my studies.  I would also like to thank Sheena for all her help throughout the course.  I wouldn’t have been able to do it without her.”

Hotel Managing Director Justin Baird-Murray said: “Since joining our team at The Metropole Amy has always shown a willingness to learn and develop her career. It is no surprise to me that she has achieved a highly commended certificate as her hard work and dedication are clear to see. Amy is currently undergoing The Metropole’s Management Development programme  to further develop her managerial skills and I am sure she will do equally well in that.”