The Hospitality students had a fantastic induction week, undertaking a variety of activities and preparing them for working in the industry and developing employer relationships.

Induction weeks play a vital role in welcoming new students to UCS College Group, helping them settle into their courses, build confidence, and feel part of the college community. It ensures learners have the guidance and support they need from day one, laying the foundations for a successful and positive experience in further education.

Induction activities help create a strong sense of belonging from the very start, fostering friendships and connections that support both academic success and personal growth.

The Hospitality students began the year on a high note, taking part in a specialist workshop led by the owner of Braziers Coffee Roasters, where they developed additional skills in calibrating and operating professional-grade machinery on their very first day. This hands-on experience gave learners an invaluable insight into industry standards and practises from the outset of their course.

By working directly with a leading local business, students not only strengthened their technical skills but also gained confidence in using specialist equipment, boosting their employability and readiness for future careers in the hospitality sector.

Opportunities like this ensures students are learning in line with real-world expectations, setting them apart in a competitive job market.

Students took part in an advanced skills workshop designed to help them achieve higher grades in their exams, and they welcomed a professional chocolatier to lead their first practical session in the kitchen of the year. This gave the learners the opportunity to develop specialist techniques under expert guidance, inspiring creativity while strengthening the precision and discipline need for success in both assessments and professional kitchens.

Meanwhile, the Introduction and Diploma first-year Professional Cookery students welcomed one of Taunton College’s main suppliers, who introduced them to a range of unusual fruits and vegetables while highlighting the importance of building strong supplier relationships and embracing sustainability within the industry. This experience broadened students’ knowledge of fresh produce, encouraged them to think creatively in the kitchen, and reinforced the value of sustainable practices.

By engaging directly with suppliers, learners gained a deeper understanding of how professional networks support success in the hospitality industry.

A guest speaker representing the Burnt Chef Project, an organisation dedicated to supporting hospitality professionals with their mental health and wellbeing, kindly shared their perspective.  This session helped raise awareness of the pressures within the industry and highlighted the importance of looking after personal wellbeing, equipping students with the knowledge and resilience to thrive in their future careers.

Additionally, forty-five students from took part in an outdoor trip to the river, where they engaged in a variety of team-based activities designed to build confidence, resilience, and problem-solving skills. The challenges encouraged learners to step outside of their comfort zones, develop trust in one another, and demonstrate excellent teamwork in a supportive environment.

Taunton College’s Autism Spectrum Facilitator (ASF), Donna, played a key role in helping students strengthen relationships, access additional support, and feel fully included throughout the experience. The day not only provided valuable personal development but also helped foster a sense of community among the different year groups, making it a rewarding and memorable experience for all involved.

Donna commented,

“It was fantastic to see students encourage each other to step out of their comfort zones and onto the water. Although initially, there was a bit of zig-zagging up the river, teamwork and laughter soon saw them take a more direct route to the pub and lunch!”

Together, these induction week activities provided an engaging and inspiring start to the year, ensuring every learner felt welcomed, supported, and motivated to succeed.

To get a taste of what the Hospitality Students have to offer, visit The Quantock Restaurant based at Taunton College.

Notes for Editors

Photograph shows: Introduction and Diploma students in Professional Cookery alongside one of UCS College Groups main suppliers.

About UCS College Group

University Centre Somerset College Group is a proud further education provider, offering a wide range of qualifications across four colleges: Bridgwater, Taunton, Cannington, and Strode. The courses on offer combine real-world experience with academic rigour, giving students the springboard to progress to Red Brick universities, prestigious companies, and exciting careers.

About The Quantock Restaurant

The Quantock Restaurant, located at Taunton College, is the ideal venue for celebratory lunches and special occasions and can be booked for private functions of up to 65 people. A dining experience to savour, courtesy of our students.