Students Secure Jobs at Sheepfolds Restaurant

Travel students from Sunderland College have been successful in gaining full-time roles after working at the soft launch of HERD, the newest restaurant at Sheepfolds Stables.

The opportunity came as a direct result of the college’s partnership between the college and Sheepfolds, when representatives from the award-winning venue came to City Campus to deliver a guest talk to Travel and Tourism, Catering, and Hospitality students.

Following the welcome response of HERD’s representatives attending the college and inspiring the students, the next steps were for the students to take part in an interview and then have a trial shift at the soft launch of the restaurant.

Travel and Tourism student Zoe also said: “I’ve enjoyed every part of my course, I’ve made lifelong friends and learned lots about the travel and hospitality industry, which I have taken into my adult life.

“My lecturers Kelly, Linda and Danielle were my rocks throughout the entire course and gaining a full-time job working as the front of house at Herd, in the Sheepfolds is amazing. Even though joining the course was a very last-minute decision, it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”

Eva Szemcsuk, Trainer/Assessor: Front of House for Hospitality, Tourism & Engagement at Sunderland College said: “The team at The Sheepfolds commented on how impressed they were with our students’ professionalism, knowledge of the venue, and confidence in their roles. As a lecturer, moments like these make you incredibly proud.

“It’s amazing to think that this all started with a single email asking The Sheepfolds to speak to our students. Less than a year later, four of our students have secured full-time employment with one of Sunderland’s newest hospitality venues.

“We are incredibly proud of how they represented themselves, the College, and the city, demonstrating professionalism, confidence, and industry knowledge throughout.

“This opportunity is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when education and employers work together, and I’m especially proud of the way businesses across Sunderland continue to support our students, invest in local talent, and help create life-changing career opportunities for young people.”

The collaboration between education and business, shows investment in local talent, while also demonstrating real-world learning beyond the classroom.

The students entering employment at a major new hospitality venue in Sunderland highlights the focus on retaining talented young people within the city, growth in Sunderland’s hospitality sector and local regeneration.

Rhian Story, Director of Business Development at Sheepfolds Stables added: “We are delighted to have been able to form a positive partnership with Sunderland College, that has allowed us to recruit talented students to be part of our team.

“We’re proud to be able to offer opportunities to young people from the city who are right at the beginning of their career in hospitality.”