Cornwall College Launches Hospitality Academy at Camborne and St Austell

Cornwall College has launched a new Hospitality Academy aimed at giving students studying hospitality and professional cookery greater access to industry experience and career opportunities.

The Cornwall College Hospitality Academy has been introduced at the college’s Camborne and St Austell campuses. It was officially unveiled at a launch event held at Cornwall College Camborne at the beginning of March.

The college says the academy represents a significant investment in the future of Cornwall’s hospitality sector and the learners preparing to enter the industry.

Built Around Opportunity

The academy has been designed around what the college describes as a simple principle of opportunity for every learner.

Embedded within Cornwall College’s hospitality and catering programmes, the academy aims to provide students with real industry experiences while celebrating success across all levels of hospitality.

Clyde Connellan, Head Chef Supervisor at Cornwall College Camborne, explained the thinking behind the new academy.

“Our Hospitality Academy has been created for all students who show ambition, drive, determination and passion,” said Clyde Connellan.

“It creates meaningful opportunities, strong industry connections and specialist training so our learners can see clearly that there is a place for everyone in hospitality.

“We are collaborating with industry leaders to run services, shifts, functions and events, and to celebrate success across the sector through masterclasses and hands-on experiences. Students gain insight into where produce comes from and how it is cultivated, transported and prepared, giving them a full understanding from field to fork,” Clyde continued.

“This Academy challenges our students to grow beyond the classroom. It builds confidence, pride and self-belief as a team, opens gateways to specialisms and shows every learner that there is a role for them in the hospitality industry. This is their future.”

Masterclasses, Industry Visits and Real Events

Students involved in the academy will have direct access to employers and potential job opportunities suited to their individual career paths.

Learners will take part in masterclasses covering a wide range of topics including seafood, shellfish, game, butchery, cocktail making, chocolate and confectionery, sustainable sourcing and farm to fork practices.

They will also have opportunities to visit a number of well known Cornish businesses including Cornish Coffee, Celtic Fish and Game, Matthew Stevens, Brian Etherington and Rodda’s Cornish Cream.

According to the college, these visits are intended to give learners first hand experience of Cornwall’s food and drink sector while helping them build professional networks and understand the standards expected across the industry.

Students will also have the chance to experience dining out through a lunch in a top restaurant. Throughout the academic year, academy learners will contribute to food festivals, catering competitions and a variety of hospitality functions including industry dinners, community celebrations and college showcases.

Supporting Cornwall’s Hospitality Sector

The academy has been developed in response to local skills needs and aims to strengthen collaboration between Cornwall College Group and hospitality employers across the region.

While some students may aim for fine dining or high end kitchens, the academy is designed to reflect the wider hospitality sector. This includes community catering, large scale events, sustainable food production and front of house roles.

Rob Bosworth, CEO of Cornwall College Group, said the academy reflects the college’s wider role in supporting Cornwall’s economy.

“We are proud to launch our new Hospitality Academy, which reflects our strategy and our role as an Ofsted Outstanding college serving the towns, rural areas and coastal economies of Cornwall,” said Rob Bosworth.

“As we approach Cornwall College’s centenary in 2029, we reflect on more than 100 years of transforming lives, enriching communities and empowering people through skills. This new Academy brings that commitment to life by responding directly to regional workforce needs and backing the next generation of hospitality and catering professionals.”

The academy model also aligns with local skills priorities and Cornwall’s wider economic growth ambitions.