Key Points
- Delaware North U.K. has expanded its College Partnership Programme to include Newham College students.
- The initiative aims to nurture young chefs and prepare them for careers in hospitality.
- The partnership was launched at London Stadium, where Delaware North provides hospitality services.
- Head Chefs Easwaran Muthusamy and Mark Constable hosted an exclusive culinary workshop on February 4, 2025, for eight Newham College students.
- Students were tasked with creating a dish for the stadium’s hospitality lounges, using a range of fresh ingredients.
- Delaware North U.K. Head of Culinary Development Gary Foakes praised the students’ culinary talent and creativity.
- The partnership follows a similar programme with West Herts College, which has produced top chef de partiesnow working at major events like the FA Cup Final.
- The workshop covered food safety, culinary techniques, and event catering at West Ham United’s home ground.
- Muhit Kashim, Careers Advisor at Newham College, highlighted the importance of employer partnerships in developing young talent.
- Delaware North U.K. remains committed to training the next generation of chefs for the hospitality industry.
Delaware North U.K. has launched a new partnership with Newham College, giving students hands-on culinary training at London Stadium. The initiative, part of the company’s College Partnership Programme, aims to prepare the next generation of chefs for careers in the hospitality industry.
What is Delaware North U.K.’s College Partnership Programme?
Delaware North U.K. has been running its College Partnership Programme to provide aspiring chefs with practical experience in hospitality and catering. This initiative has already produced successful chef de parties at major venues like Wembley Stadium, and now, the company has extended the programme to Newham College.
The partnership officially launched on February 4, 2025, at London Stadium, where Delaware North operates as the official hospitality partner. Eight students from Newham College took part in an exclusive culinary workshop led by Head Chefs Easwaran Muthusamy and Mark Constable.
What Training Did Newham College Students Receive?
As part of the workshop, students learned the behind-the-scenes culinary operations at West Ham United’s home ground. They were challenged to create a dish suitable for the stadium’s hospitality lounges, using a selection of market vegetables, fruit, potatoes, and dry store ingredients.
The students had to consider:
- Taste and flavour profiles
- Seasonality of ingredients
- Cooking techniques
- Final presentation
Additionally, Muthusamy and Constable provided expert guidance on foodservice health and safety, as well as how to deliver top-tier hospitality experiences for matchdays and special events.
What Did Delaware North U.K. Say About the Partnership?
Gary Foakes, Head of Culinary Development at Delaware North U.K., expressed enthusiasm for the programme, praising the talent and creativity of Newham College students:
“We were proud to open our doors to future culinary talent from Newham College and to whet their appetites for what a career in food and hospitality could look like for them.”
Foakes also highlighted the success of past students from a similar partnership with West Herts College, who are now working at high-profile events like the FA Cup Final:
“It’s already evident from the flair we saw on display this week that there are some budding young chefs at Newham College, and we are excited to see who could be one of Delaware North’s future stars as part of this latest partnership.”
How Is Newham College Supporting Hospitality and Catering Careers?
Newham College has long been recognised for its hospitality and catering courses, designed for students aged 16 and up. The college, with its other Newham campuses in Stratford, East Ham, and Canning Town, recently merged with Newham Sixth Form College to create a single large institution near London Stadium.
The college’s hospitality programme provides students with a combination of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, making them well-prepared for careers in the culinary industry.
Muhit Kashim, Careers Advisor at Newham College, highlighted the value of industry partnerships in developing young talent:
“It was encouraging to see our students apply their talent in a professional work environment. Employer and college partnerships are so important in developing the next generation of talented individuals by enabling each person to achieve their fullest potential.”
Our Hospitality and Catering students visited West Ham United and their catering team for a masterclass with the club’s head chefs. Our learners were challenged in preparing dishes using their creativity skills, which were later judged by the chefs.#wearenewhamcollegelondon pic.twitter.com/9ne5JBJJYV
— Newham College (@newhamcollege) February 5, 2025
Why Is This Partnership Important for the Hospitality Industry?
The hospitality sector continues to face labour shortages, making practical training programmes like this crucial for developing skilled chefs. By partnering with Newham College, Delaware North U.K. is helping to:
- Bridge the skills gap in the hospitality industry.
- Provide hands-on experience to aspiring chefs.
- Prepare students for careers in stadium and event catering.
- Encourage young talent to explore opportunities in the culinary field.
Delaware North U.K. has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to training the next generation of hospitality professionals.
What’s Next for the Delaware North and Newham College Partnership?
With the success of the inaugural workshop, Delaware North U.K. is expected to continue offering practical training opportunities for Newham College students. The initiative will focus on culinary excellence, hospitality management, and event catering, ensuring students gain real-world industry experience.
As demand for skilled hospitality workers grows, this partnership is set to play a key role in shaping future chefs in London’s thriving culinary sector.
