Last month, students from Inscape House School stepped into the world of hospitality for the first time, taking part in an exciting careers taster day at Hickory’s Smokehouse in Poynton.
The visit marked the launch of a new collaborative project between Inscape House School and Hickory’s Smokehouse, designed to give autistic and special needs students meaningful, hands-on experience in one of the UK’s most dynamic industries. Far more than a simple introduction, the taster day served as a springboard into an upcoming eight-day work experience programme – one that promises to give students a genuine, immersive insight into life in a busy restaurant environment.
From the moment they arrived at the Poynton branch, students were made to feel right at home. Mikey, Jack, and Dave welcomed the group warmly, introducing them to the Hickory’s brand, its rich history, and the craft behind its world-famous smoking process.
The real excitement, however, came when students stepped behind the bar. Working from scratch, they crafted two of Hickory’s most popular mocktails: the vibrant Bubble Blue Cooler and the classic Virgin Mojito, discovering first-hand the creativity, precision, and teamwork that bartending demands. The day rounded off on an indulgent note, with students putting their own spin on Hickory’s signature milkshakes, piling on toppings to their hearts’ content.
In between, students were treated to Hickory’s much-loved smoke platter – a crowd-pleasing spread that gave them a true flavour of what the restaurant does best.
Jack, Head of Bartending at the Poynton venue, was full of praise for the group:
“The students brought a fantastic level of energy and enthusiasm throughout the day, both behind the bar and on the restaurant floor. Their engagement and positive attitude were truly impressive.”
The students themselves were equally enthusiastic about what lies ahead. Mason said he was “excited to learn how the smoke process works,” while Amy shared that she was particularly drawn to the mocktail experience – something she’s already passionate about, having spent time making drinks for family and friends at home.
And there is plenty more to look forward to. The full work experience programme offers a comprehensive deep-dive into hospitality, taking students through the steps of service and the guest journey, bar equipment and preparation, cocktail and coffee training, and a dedicated pitmaster day exploring the smoker station and kitchen operations.
Students will also develop skills in upselling and gain a thorough understanding of Hickory’s SPECS – the drink and food standards that underpin consistency across all UK venues. As the programme progresses, students will have the chance to focus on areas including the bar, floor service, and hosting, before bringing it all together in a final practical session serving friends and family.
For Mikey Rice, Assistant Manager at Hickory’s Smokehouse, the day was a reminder of why this work matters:
“It was fantastic to see how much the students enjoyed the day and how many were keen to take part in the placement. It is always rewarding to work with young people who are keen to learn and passionate. Hospitality can teach you, train you, and really take you places.”
This year marks the fourth year that Inscape House School has partnered with Mikey to create meaningful work experience opportunities for its students. Over the years, Mikey has championed our students across a number of hospitality venues, helping them build confidence, develop practical skills, and open doors to potential career paths they may never have previously considered.
The work experience following this taster day is invaluable. It gives our young people the chance to step beyond their comfort zones, build confidence, and acquire essential work-related skills, all within an environment that truly nurtures their learning and success,” shares Marie Young, Careers Teacher at Inscape House School.
