Weymouth student shares life-changing experience at Sir Samuel Mico Commemoration
Weymouth and Kingston Maurward College’s innovative 14–16 programme is giving school students the opportunity to gain real hands-on experience in vocational subjects, as heard at the annual Sir Samuel Mico Commemoration last week.
Year 11 Budmouth Academy student Alfie Cole has discovered a passion and a potential career in catering, thanks to Weymouth College’s 14–16 programme and the Sir Samuel Mico Trust (SSMT), which supports young people under the age of 25 in Weymouth and Portland.
Every week, Alfie spends a day working in the professional kitchens of the Avenue Restaurant at the College’s Weymouth campus, gaining hands-on experience alongside Catering & Hospitality students. His journey has not only boosted his skills and confidence, but also inspired him to work harder in school and plan for a future in the industry. He now hopes to join Weymouth and Kingston Maurward College as a full-time student after his GCSEs.
Alfie shared his story at this year’s Sir Samuel Mico annual commemoration, held at St Mary’s Church on April 11th, where he was one of the guest speakers — representing the impact the trust can have on young lives.
Speaking in front of a packed church of local dignitaries and guests, Alfie said: “I am really grateful for making it possible for me to spend a day a week at Weymouth College working in the Avenue Restaurant kitchens. I have always wanted to make catering my career. I’m not really academic, so struggle a bit at school. For students like me, being able to do something hands on they want to make their career is brilliant. It’s given me the motivation to work harder at school so I get good GCSE grades.”
Weymouth College’s Schools Liaison Officer, Peter Vowles, accompanied Alfie at the celebration and also spoke about how the Samuel Mico Trust had supported the College for the past 10 years, making it possible for both College students and local school pupils to train and work in their chosen careers.
“The school environment isn’t ideal for students who are practical, rather than academic, and schools often aren’t in a position to be able to do much to address this,” he commented. “Funding from the Sir Samuel Mico Trust has made it possible for these students to come to Weymouth College one day a week, where they work alongside our own students in practical sessions in subjects like brickwork, catering and hairdressing.”
“They love being here and produce work of a high standard. Finding they are good at something they want to make their career has profound effect on their confidence, self-esteem and motivation to work harder to get good GCSE grades when back at school so that they can progress on to Level 2/3 courses.”
“Alfie is one such student. Right from when we interviewed Alfie, we knew he would be brilliant – he was so keen. He hasn’t missed a session, always arrives early and everything he does he does with real skill and commitment.”
Sir Samuel Mico was a London merchant and master of the Mercers Company in 1655, trading from the port of Weymouth. He owned The George Inn and the property was left to a charity in his will, with the sum of £500 to help those less fortunate. He decreed in his will that the charity’s trustees should gather with beneficiaries on the Friday before Palm Sunday each year, to attend a service and hear reports from those who had benefited from the trust’s support.
With around 100 members any business in Dorset can join Dorchester Chamber from business for £60p/a (no VAT).
