MICHELIN-starred chef Glynn Purnell made good on a promise when he invited two students into his kitchen for a culinary lesson at the sharp end.
Just two months ago Glynn gave a demonstration to pupils when he dropped in to Castlewoods School in Smiths Wood.
Castlewoods is the only specialist school in Solihull for youngsters with social and emotional challenges.
However the super chef soon won the youngsters over with a dazzling display of culinary expertise – and promised to take some dedicated youngsters into the kitchen of his own Michelin starred restaurant at 55 Cornwall Street in the heart of the Second City.
And last week the dream came true for two lucky students who quickly found themselves in the hustle, bustle and heat of a restaurant getting food ready for hungry diners.
“They truly had a real life experience – they were actually prepping meals for the lunchtime customers,” said Castlewoods careers adviser Andrea Riley, who also found herself rolling her sleeves up to help.
“Glynn was there and they just got their heads down and got on with it.
“We were so proud of them – they did really well.”
Andrea added that the school was always on the look out for quality work experience placements for students.
“We don’t get many opportunities like that, but Glynn was brilliant. Both students were presented with an apron and he said if they ever needed anything to just get in touch.”
The school has made contact with Jay Blades of TV’s The Repair Shop fame and is also in touch with local business Hickory Smokehouse.
“A lot of what we do is going out and finding opportunities for these you people.
“We are reaching out to people they can relate to where they can see themselves in those positions.”
To offer a work opportunity to Castlewoods, email: [email protected] or call 0121 748 9760.
