A scheme to boost work placements for catering and hospitality students has seen one teenager land himself a job at a prestigious hotel.
Craig Sweetman (17), is now working weekends at the 219-room Copthorne Hotel Slough Windsor after doing work experience there.
Craig will be working in the kitchen which produces meals served in Turner's Grill, which boasts chef-patron Brian Turner CBE, famous for his appearances on programmes including This Morning, Ready Steady Cook, and Food and Drink.
Craig, who is in his second year of an NVQ Level 2 in Catering and Hospitality at Uxbridge College, said: "I have learned a lot working at the Copthorne and am now considering becoming a pastry chef or a sauce chef.
"When I started the course at Uxbridge College I didn't really have any expectations about what I would end up doing. I have always enjoyed cooking at school and helping mum in the kitchen when I was a little kid."
One of Craig's favourite dishes is profiteroles, which are often on the lunch menu in the Lifestyles Restaurant at Hayes Community Campus, where the College's training kitchens are.
Craig, who lives in Slough , plans to continue his training with an NVQ Level 3 qualification at Thames Valley University.
David Mackrory, Section Manager for Catering and Hospitality, spearheaded the scheme to get catering and hospitality students to spend up to 14 weeks in each academic year in work placements.
He said: "The proof is clearly in the pudding with Craig, since he has managed to land himself a job through his work placement. Getting experience in real businesses means our students are in high demand when they qualify because they can offer exactly what industry needs.
"If Craig's profiteroles are anything to go by he will go far."
* To book lunch at Lifestyles call 01895 853730.