Food technology teachers get a taste of the ‘big kitchen’
Holland’s Pies recently hosted a development day for food technology teachers from local schools and colleges at their factory in Baxenden. The event was held as part of Holland’s commitment to the Lancashire Education Business Partnership (LEBP), the charity which helps to build relationships between education and the local business community.
As the largest of the 120 partnerships across the country, the LEBP works with businesses, schools and colleges in the local area to create practical career development opportunities for 40,000 young people.
The aim of the day was for teachers and students to collaborate with Holland’s in developing a new resource for schools supporting GCSE Food Technology. The resource will also support a new Manufacturing Diploma which will be delivered by schools and colleges in the Blackburn and Darwen area from September 2010.
During their visit to Holland’s, the teachers also had the chance to take an extensive tour of the production facilities and were able to see for themselves the processes involved in producing over 1million pies and puddings a week, whilst maintaining high levels of quality and overall customer satisfaction. They were also able to sample the Holland’s range and were given tips on the best way taste and identify flavours in food.
Holland’s managers were also on hand to explain product development, marketing and how Holland’s comply with Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), the preventive approach to food and pharmaceutical safety that addresses potential physical, chemical, and biological hazards.
Gill Holt and Jane McGuiness from Runshaw College where two of the teachers attending the event.
Gill said:
“We both gained so much from the visit. The presentation, tour, and tasting will enhance our teaching in the future, giving us plenty of real stories about marketing, design, NPD, HACCP and food safety technology”.
“The whole concept of today’s visit will remain with us for a long time”
Jack Poston, Business Support Team Officer at the LEBP, said:
“The involvement of companies like Holland’s is vital to the success of our organisation. It allows teachers to gain a practical insight into the industry surrounding their subjects and pass this on to their students. Holland’s also run work experience placements, so it’s also fantastic for the teachers to see for themselves the environment in which the students will be working.”
Neil Court-Johnston, MD of Holland’s Pies commented on the visit:
“Holland’s has been central to Lancashire community life for over
150 years. As such, we are always extremely pleased to be involved with
initiatives such as the Lancashire Education Business Partnership which make a positive contribution to
education in our area. It’s in all of our interests to see young people
grow up knowing about food hygiene and production processes, and it
might even encourage more people to consider the food manufacturing
industry for their future career.”
Back to press
Comments