Rotherham College Student is Bringing in the Dough
Rotherham College student, James Firth, got a slice of action when he got a part-time job in January at Firstop, an Italian take-away based in Dinnington.
He found he was already on a roll by impressing his employer with his knowledge of health and safety and food hygiene that he’d learned through his work in the College’s café.
After finishing at Dinnington High School he wanted to try something new, meet some new people and gain employability skills. Starting on the Animal Care pathway, he tried catering for his work preparation part of the course and enjoyed it.
James currently also works in the Café @ the Heart based at Dinnington Campus for two days a week. The café, which recently received another five-star hygiene rating, serves beverages and a delicious selection of treats throughout the day for both staff, students and the public.
Throughout his course he has made lots of friends and gained confidence and increased his independence. James has been studying for four years and intends to do an Entry 3 course in Animal Care or Horticulture in the next year or possibly gain full-time employment at Firstop.
The Foundation course is filled with trips to enrich the students’ experience and have some fun. The profits from the Café @ the Heart contribute to the funding. During his course James has took part in many trips, from Christmas meals at various local restaurants, regular trips to Meadowhall and Centretainment to further afield trips such as Cleethorpes, Drayton Manor and Sherwood Forest.
James said, “My favourite thing about my course was meeting new friends and gaining confidence in everything. It’s hard to believe but I was really shy when I started, before this I wouldn’t have gone up the street by myself.”
“This has really helped with my people skills and I’ve got a job now because of it. It’s helped me get a lot more freedom and everyone treats you like an adult.”