2021 sees the second year of a very special partnership with Silverstone, through which MK College Catering & Hospitality students participate in the operational running of a hospitality area at the British Grand Prix. In what has been the biggest Grand Prix ever seen at Silverstone, our students certainly rose to the challenge this year.

2250 covers in 3 days!

Over the course of 3 days, MK College students catered for the British racing drivers club hospitality marquee; one of the most prestigious areas with distinguished guests of motorsport and royalty in attendance, at the biggest grand prix ever. This annual event allows MK College Catering students the chance to gain invaluable industry experience, and in some cases, job opportunities. Head Chef at Silverstone, Dean Hoddle, currently employs 4 past MK College Catering students, and after the event this year, began talks with students about joining the Catering team at Silverstone upon finishing their studies. Talking about the event, Dean said,

To give you some scope of your students’ collective achievements, they not only managed to serve 550 covers in a 3 hour time period, but cooked to order and managed an average time from point of order to delivering the food to the table in under 15 mins. That’s quicker than any restaurant on any high street. We estimate over the 3 days they must have served 2250 covers. I am so proud to be part of this amazing partnership and hope this becomes a legacy of both Silverstone and MK College.

Dean Hoddle, Head Chef, Silverstone

Group Catering Manager at MK College, Richie Carter, joined his students for the event and witnessed first hand how well they rose to the challenge.

“Silverstone and the 2021 British Grand Prix was so exciting. The days were very long and the weather beautiful if you were outside. But for us in the marquees, it was sweltering and hectic. Yet, our students took it all in their stride and performed admirably in both the British Racing Drivers Club Marquee and Farm Hospitality areas. No task was left unfinished, and they were all true ambassadors of MKCollege.

Combining peer groups, they communicated professionally with each other and permanent staff, worked well with each other and not a cross word was spoken. It was extremely busy at times, but we all battled through.

Receiving much acclaim and great feedback from our customers, our students made the teaching staff incredibly proud of their endeavours. Roll on 2022!”

Richie Carter, Group Catering Manager

Our Catering and Hospitality courses provide the perfect blend of expert tutoring and industry experience, equipping students with skills that will take them seamlessly from College to professional kitchens. If you’d like to learn more about the courses available and join our next cohort, it’s not too late! Explore this exciting career path now and make your application.

2021 sees the second year of a very special partnership with Silverstone, through which MK College Catering & Hospitality students participate in the operational running of a hospitality area at the British Grand Prix. In what has been the biggest Grand Prix ever seen at Silverstone, our students certainly rose to the challenge this year.