RNN Group Students Excel at AoC Annual Conference

The Association of Colleges (AoC) Annual Conference and Exhibition, a prestigious event that brings together senior leaders in the Further Education sector, was held at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Birmingham.

This two-day conference features distinguished speakers from education, government, and business, addressing key issues facing the sector.

This year, the RNN Group was proud to play a vital role in the event. Selected to provide student representatives for exclusive work experience opportunities, seven talented learners from RNN Group’s Food and Beverage and Professional Cookery Diploma courses joined the Event and Catering Operations team to support the conference’s lunch and banquet services.

Four Level 2 Food and Beverage Service learners – Joe Barraclough, Yasemin Gurbuz, Mia Johnson-Cutts, and Amber McKenzie – took charge of setting up the conference dinner and drinks reception. They later ensured exceptional service for nearly 650 guests during the banquet.

Meanwhile, three Level 3 Professional Cookery Diploma learners – Jack Towers, Ben Wilmot, and Findlay Maddison – worked behind the scenes in the expansive ICC kitchens. They assisted in preparing and cooking a variety of lunches and the evening’s grand banquet.

For many learners, this was a first glimpse into high-scale hospitality operations.

Level 2 learner Joe Barraclough reflected:

“I was a little nervous to start as I’ve never done anything like this before, but I was fine once we got into it. It was a great opportunity to work at the International Convention Centre and see a different type of hospitality than I’m used to. I also loved the opportunity to work away from home and explore a new city.”

Level 3 learner Jack Towers was equally inspired by the experience:

“The size of the event was incredible, and something I’ve never seen before. The kitchens were huge, and it was an eye-opener to see how you work to prepare and serve food on such a big scale. It was great to work with some fantastic chefs who were really happy to share their knowledge and experience with us.”

The experience extended beyond the professional sphere, offering cultural enrichment as well. Many students explored Birmingham for the first time, enjoying its vibrant city centre and iconic Christmas markets.

To celebrate their achievements, the learners were treated to a well-deserved dinner in the city. The meal, funded by the student tip fund, was a gesture of gratitude for their hard work and a celebration of their success.

This exceptional opportunity highlights RNN Group’s commitment to providing learners with real-world experiences that broaden their horizons and build valuable skills. By participating in events like the AoC Annual Conference, students gain confidence and insights that will serve them well in their future careers.

Congratulations to the team for representing the RNN Group so brilliantly!

Find out more about our Catering and Hospitality courses here.