Young chefs’ dream trip

The 19-year-old was part of a ten-strong group of students from New College Lanarkshire who gained a three week work placement in the country frequently claimed to be the home of top cuisine.

The Cumbernauld Campus students were all on the Level Two City and Guilds Diploma inIntroduction to Cookery, and had the trip of a lifetime on their visit to the ancient city of Lyon.

The stint was funded by the EU’s Leonardo programme, and involved the students working in some of the city’s most prestigious restaurants – for example ICEO, Fabrice Moya, Le Basilik, Le Garage, and at the Lyon Lou Rugby ground.

On the final day of the programme the students visited the Lycee Helen Boucher in Venisseux, the College’s partner in the exchange programme.

Kim Wilson’s reaction to the trip was typical of the response from the Cumbernauld-based students.

“I am very thankful to have been given the opportunity to visit and work in Lyon,” she said.

“Having the chance to work in a country famous for its food will stand me in great stead as I look to start my career in the industry.”

She added: “I learned so much from the experience.

“Working with the city’s best chefs was fantastic, and they really encouraged me to get involved, and helped me to develop my skills.

“The whole experience of working and living in Lyon was amazing –a one in a lifetime trip.”

Tom Devlin, hospitality lecturer at New College Lanarkshire said: “The Leonardeo Exchange Programme has been a great experience for alll involved.

“The students were able to showcase their talents to top level chefs, while enjoying learning about French culture.”

The students’ French counterpart also enjoyed a visit to New College Lanarkshire and worked in Glasgow restaurants (two of which were specifically French in both name and style) including West End outlets Cail Bruich, The Bothy and The Gannet, as well as highly-rated city centre ventures Chardon D’Or, La Bonne Auberge, the Radisson Hotel and the Grand Central Hotel.