Tasty treats on chef course

COMMUNITY chef and tutor Afruj Chodhury with those who took part on the course

A COOKERY course proved just the recipe for people who want work in the catering industry.

They took part in the in the free, six-week Community Chef Course at Oasis Academy Oldham in Hollins which was funded by Contour Homes housing association's cash for communities fund.

Katie McLaren, head of extended services and project lead at Oasis Academy, said: "The community chefs course aimed to provide a different approach to cookery for people interested in getting into catering as a career. We also hope to train people up to be able to provide food and refreshments for events in the community."

The 12 participants learned the basics of catering and worked and towards a level one award in fusion cookery skills (which combines different culinary traditions) and a level two food safety in catering qualification.

They have also been given the chance to volunteer with Oasis Hub Oldham, which runs a number of services for the local community, to provide catering for events and to gain experience in the catering industry.

Afruj Choudhury, lead chef trainer at the Oldham cooking school Safeguard Fusion Cookery Academy, taught the course.

He said: "It was intended to inspire people who may wish to work in the catering industry as junior chefs or kitchen assistants

"It gives a broad range of knowledge including developing confidence to work in the catering and hospitality industry, food health and safety awareness and Indian and fusion cooking.

"It also covers healthy food combinations, knife skills, kitchen operations, basic menu planning and applying workplace skills."

The would-be chefs were also taught how to make, store or freeze batches of healthier versions of their favourite takeaway.

"This will help then ensure they have meals in their freezer available when they need them, and avoid the temptation and cost of buying fast and processed food," added Afruj.