An Exeter College teacher has been recognised for his knowledge and skill in the kitchen. Hospitality teacher Paul Carne, Programme Leader for the esteemed Michael Caines Academy, was nominated for a prestigious City and Guilds Award by his peers and ultimately awarded an Outstanding Achievement Award. 

The City and Guilds Professional Recognition Awards have been developed for those at the highest professional levels within their chosen careers. The awards are NQF (National Qualifications Framework) accredited qualifications which enable candidates to demonstrate their knowledge and skills within any sector or role.   

As a result of winning the City and Guilds Award and because judges were so impressed with his nomination, Paul was also awarded the Cherry Grainger prize from the Worshipful Company of Cooks, one of only two chefs in the whole country. 

Presented by the Livery Companies Skills Council and The City and Guilds of London Institute, Paul Carne was invited to the historic Mansion House in London. 

Expressing his gratitude, Paul remarked; 

“It’s been a huge privilege to receive and attend the awards and a fantastic experience to attend such awards which have a huge tradition. To represent the college and the hard work of the whole hospitality faculty is an honour.   

I have a real love for all things hospitality, the food, the buzz and the people. These awards ceremonies have given me a new experience into the industry and one I look forward to sharing with my learners.  

I often talk to my students about their future careers and where their paths may lead, for me coming into the college to give a demonstration to the Michael Caines Academy gave me a spark to look to join the college and move into education. I have truly enjoyed my journey so far and being lucky enough to be awarded these awards is the icing on the cake.” 

In his nomination, his colleague Matt Pickett, wrote; 

“Paul is always willing to support hospitality events, even in the summer holidays and this year Paul spent a week of his summer holiday cooking for Exeter City’s Charitable Trust, catering for 900 of the cities most disadvantaged children under the HAF activities, Paul even drove the food to the children and helped serve.” 

“Paul facilitates a 6-week work placement for his 16 learners ranging across the country, with many of these placements leading to full time employment and incredible outcomes for his learners.  Paul’s success rates, retention and achievements are always sector leading, with an enormous output of enrichment for his learners. A very tough balancing act that involves a large amount of 1:1 and group tutorial time.” 

Bryher Wilson, studying the Level 3 NVQ in Professional Cookery, is one of these learners, speaking about Paul, she said; 

“Mr Carne was my tutor for Level 2 and he was very supportive and guided us to be more confident and taught us a lot in cooking too. He’s very approachable.” 

Josh Conibear, also studying the Professional Cookery course, added; 

“He was one of the first teachers I had in my first year and he was really inspiring and helped me find the love for cooking I didn’t know I had. Even now, in third year, he’s just amazing really. 

“He taught me to be creative with everything I do. I’m already quite confident with doing it but sometimes I just follow the recipe and instructions too much. So, trying to put my own twist on it and be creative with everything I do.” 

Paul has worked at the College for eight years, starting in an associate lecturer role, moving into the programme lead role. His transition into teaching brought with him excellent industry knowledge and has enabled Paul to mentor many new colleagues, helping them with the transition into teaching. 

Head of Faculty for Hospitality, Hair and Beauty, Tracey Bennett, said; 

“Paul is the colleague, teacher, and friend that everyone needs in their team, and we are the envy of many departments with the amount of enrichment, commitment and success that Paul is able to achieve, always with a smile. We are very proud that his hard work has been recognised with these awards.” 

Come and experience our award-winning hospitality at the AA College Restaurant of the year, @thirty-four, and book your table today. 

If you interested in studying Hospitality at Exeter College, then visit us at our next Open Event to find out more.