LUXURY catering company Bubble Food has reaffirmed its long-standing partnership with Lewisham College for a fifth year, reinforcing its commitment to developing local talent and creating meaningful routes into employment within the luxury hospitality and catering sector.
The collaboration, which has been in place since 2021, offers outstanding students hands-on experience and industry insight into the workings of a professional, Michelin-star quality kitchen.
Dozens of students have benefited from the partnership to date, with just under ten students having gone on to be employed across Bubble Food’s kitchen and events teams.
Having seen five students begin training last year, Bubble Food will continue supporting the local college throughout this year with another five placements.
Jens Nisson, director and executive head chef at Bubble Food, said: “Working with Lewisham College is incredibly inspiring work, and something our whole team genuinely enjoys. Bringing students into our kitchens injects a fresh energy, and it’s hugely rewarding to support them as they build confidence, maturity and take their first steps into their careers.
“The college felt like a natural partner for the business given that it’s located in a neighbouring borough, and it has proven particularly valuable in an area where creating employment opportunities can help to make a real difference to young people’s lives. It means we can open doors for young people who might not see a future in this industry and teach them how to push the boundaries of creativity in our kitchens as well as their careers.”
The experience begins during demonstrations at the College – vibrant, creative sessions designed to show students the possibilities in food design and event catering.
Those who show enthusiasm are then hand-picked by their tutors to take part in guided work experience at live events, with participants gradually taking on more responsibility as skills and confidence grow. The experience is deliberately organic, allowing students to develop at their own pace.
Bubble Food’s involvement goes beyond just placements. The company also sits on Lewisham College’s employer advisory board, which allows local employers to shape the syllabus and ensure students gain the practical skills the industry needs. This collaboration enables the college to refine its teaching and maintain a strong alignment between classroom learning and hospitality practice.
Kimberly Murphy, skills and partnership manager at Lewisham College, said: “Our partnership with Bubble Food continues to go from strength to strength has been transformative for both our students and our curriculum staff. They support the college in multiple ways – from delivering inspiring demonstrations and offering high-quality industry placements, to providing meaningful employment opportunities for our learners once they complete their qualifications.
“Through this collaboration, our students gain not only technical skills, but also confidence, professionalism and a clear vision of what is possible within the industry. Most importantly, they show up, invest their time, and create real opportunities for our students. That consistent support makes a genuine difference.”
The partnership with Lewisham College forms part of Bubble Food’s wider social impact strategy, which aims to support local communities, develop future talent and create inclusive opportunities within the hospitality industry.
A key part of this is Bubble Food’s partnership with Beyond Food (formerly Brigade), an organisation supporting young people from vulnerable and disadvantaged backgrounds through training and apprenticeship programmes.
To find out more about Bubble Food, visit: www.bubblefood.com