This month, Inscape House School students completed their work experience programme at Hickory’s Smokehouse in Poynton, where they’ve been gaining hands-on experience in an exciting new partnership at the restaurant.
Across eight sessions, the students have been learning about bar equipment and preparation, mocktail and coffee training, and most importantly – perfecting the customer experience. They even had a dedicated pitmaster day where they explored the smoker station and kitchen operations.
After their crash course into the world of hospitality, staff from Together Trust and Hickory’s were invited to dine at the restaurant where our students put into practice everything they’ve learnt: chatting with customers, taking orders, collaborating as a team, making mocktails, and managing the tables.
The professionalism of the students was astonishing. Donned in their new uniforms, the customers were dazzled by the confidence and proficiency of the young people, which has been nurtured by the fantastic team at Hickory’s.
“Totally amazing! Seeing the students in a different environment is just wow.” Justyna, Inscape staff member
“It’s been great watching them build their confidence and communicate, especially with strangers.” – Sally, Inscape staff member
After serving, the customers gathered to watch a mocktail demo, where one student expertly and effortlessly taught Sara Aldridge, Service Director at Together Trust, how to create a delicious blueberry lemonade.
Finally, after serving, the students had a chance to sit down and enjoy a meal to celebrate the end of their work program and all the amazing effort they’ve put in.
Our students shared what the experience meant to them:
“In all the work experience that I’ve done, I’ve never done one better than Hickory’s – not only does it give us the experience of working, it gives us the experience of working in different surroundings.” – Mason
“It’s pretty entertaining, trying new all this stuff. It’s all been a new experience for me!” – Niall
Over the course of the work experience, staff saw a remarkable change in the young people– with students feeling calmer, more confident, and excited to come into school for their work experience.
Jack, Head of Bartending, shared: “The students have been awesome. The change they’ve gone through is incredible. It’s inspiring to see how they’ve all come out of their shell.”
Mikey Rice, Assistant Manager, added: “Watching them grow from day one interviews to actually serving, you can see how much they’ve grown within themselves and as a team. I’ve been very proud to see them all of them working and banding together and helping each other – that’s what hospitality is all about.”
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.
To recognise their fantastic efforts, we were delighted to present Mikey and Jack with a personalised plaque and officially bestow them with the title ‘Work Experience Champions.’
As the plaque was presented, Services Director Sara Aldridge powerfully articulated the importance of the programme:
“This doesn’t just help the lives of young people, it helps the whole families. This improves life chances for years to come.
“Work experience like this helps young people see themselves in a place of employment in the future, whereas before, that would have been such a difficult thing to envision. You’ve changed lives, and we’re very grateful.”
A huge thank you once again to Mikey, Jack, and the entire Hickory’s Smokehouse team for all of their efforts in making this partnership such a meaningful and impactful experience for our young people.
Careers Education is a key part of our curriculum at Inscape House School. We provide a range of events to offer providers an opportunity to access the school to offer impartial careers advice to students and/or their parents.
