Ten Polish students from the Cracow School of Catering recently arrived in Malta on an exchange visit under the European Union’s Leonardo da Vinci framework. This is the third year that MHRA is facilitating such visits.

The vocational school, known as the Cracow Catering School, specialises in preparing students for a career in the catering industry. Students must complete a number of courses in food preparation, food and beverage service and other related areas, such as ‘technicians’ in nourishment, dietetics and general tourism operations.

Noel Debono, chairman of the restaurants committee within MHRA, George Schembri, MHRA chief executive officer and Vincent Lungaro Mifsud, membership officer with MHRA welcomed the students upon their arrival. Speaking during a briefing session for the students, Mr Debono explained how the cooperation between the Cracow Catering School and the MHRA started in 2009 and has helped a good number of Polish students in their pursuit of a career in catering by enabling them to gain experience in Mediterranean cuisine and service.

The students are undertaking four-week training placements in top-quality hotels in Sliema and St. Julians.

During this time, they will practice service techniques, customer skills and management skills required in running a catering establishment. The students are accompanied by the head of school, Anna Gawinek and will be monitored on the job by their training manager Agnieszka Nawratowicz.