Pupils Cook Up A Storm At Racecourse Career Day

Twenty fourth-year students from Musselburgh Grammar School received hands-on experience in team building, staging an event, kitchen and cooking essentials and barista skills as part of an ongoing partnership with the school.

The students also heard presentations from Craig Bonnar of award winning catering company and official racecourse supplier Heritage Portfolio, Susan Manchester, general manager of the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art cafes, and the racecourse’s senior operations and commercial manager, Sarah Montgomery.

Three pupils were invited to return to the racecourse the following day to support an industry roadshow which was attended by senior executive in the British horseracing industry, racehorse owners and trainers and racecourse managers.

In previous years, racecourse staff have undertaken a number of volunteer activities to support local causes as part of the annual Give and Gain Day, including restoration work at the Olivebank Day Centre and a beach clean at Fisherrow. This year Musselburgh was one of 20 UK racecourses which participated in the Racing Together Community Day which supports a range of activities in local communities.

The racecourse’s Sarah Montgomery said: “In past years we have been very active in supporting Business in the Community’s Give and Gain days but this year we opted to strengthen the relationship we have been building with Musselburgh Grammar School.

“With excellent support from Heritage Portfolio, we were able to put on a diverse programme which gave real-life experience to 20 students who have expressed an interest in hospitality and tourism careers and this will contribute to their employability pathways initiative.

“Three of those students returned to the racecourse to support us in hosting a British Horseracing Authority roadshow which provided a valuable opportunity for the pupils to put their training into practice and which will be a useful addition to their CVs.”

Musselburgh Grammar, acting depute head teacher, Caroline Brown, said the relationship between the school and the VisitScotland 5 Star racecourse was proving fruitful for both pupils and staff.

She said: “This kind of real-life insight in to the world of work and the wider hospitality and tourism sector is extremely helpful in giving students the experience and information which will help them decide on a career path they could potentially follow on leaving school.

“Access to the racecourse facilities and to experienced industry professionals who can share valuable insights is a real bonus and we are delighted Musselburgh Racecourse was willing to work with us in supporting our young students as they prepare to transition from education to the working world.”