PUPILS from two schools recently visited Basingstoke College of Technology (BCoT) to take part in an employability event organised by staff from the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE), which culminated in a ‘Great British Bake Off-style’ competition.

The event, which took place in the college’s onsite training restaurant, taught Year 10 students from Cranbourne and The Vyne key skills in planning, project management and budgeting, which the students then put into practice in a baking challenge to create a tart of their choice.

The competition, which was judged by members of staff from BCoT’s hospitality and catering department and AWE, was won by a team from Cranbourne.

AWE’s graduate team judged the day a great success, with a spokesperson for AWE saying: “We looked at resourcing, budgets, planning and project management and it was great to see the students getting quite into it. They asked lots of insightful questions and were particularly interested in our career choices and our route into the workplace.

“The students were very switched on and understand that in addition to professional ability, employers are also looking for additional key skills, which will give them an edge. We thoroughly enjoyed our day and the students were great fun to work with.”

Anthony Bravo, BCoT principal, added: “I would like to thank the team from AWE for choosing us to host this event, and both The Vyne and Cranbourne for attending the event.

“We work closely with a range of employers to provide young people with unique experiences, and I am thrilled that the students were able to see what their future could hold whilst also getting the chance to experience life at BCoT.”