From student to staff member – Lita’s recipe for success

When Lita Leikarte took part in Culture Week earlier this year, she was a high-achieving Creative Arts student.

That experience at our Quarry Hill campus, however, set her on a completely different path — and into a career in catering.

During the week, Lita spent three days cooking a variety of dishes for her fellow students under the guidance of our Deputy Head of Food and Catering Services, Fabrice Teston.

The experience reminded her how much she enjoyed preparing food, so she applied for a role in the kitchens at our Enfield Centre and, thanks to the commitment she had demonstrated in the Quarry Hill canteen, landed the job.

Rediscovering a passion

Organised by the Student Life Enrichment Team, Culture Week is a chance for students and staff across our campuses to celebrate our different cultures through activities based around food, music, art, dance and fashion.

Lita, who will continue her food service assistance position when the Enfield Centre moves to its new base at Mabgate next year, said: “The time during Culture Week, although short, reignited my passion to seek a job in cooking and catering. My original plan for college was to do a patisserie course!

“The experience was awesome, the catering staff were kind and caring and taught me more about food preparation and serving.

“Due to that, I was able to secure a job on a different campus where my colleagues are super lovely and reliable.”

Just rewards for a dedicated learner

For Fabrice, it has been rewarding to help someone with a real passion for catering take her first step into a hospitality career.

He said: “Lita was so enthusiastic and passionate during her time in the kitchen when we were holding the Culture Week events.

“Her positive attitude and passion certainly helped her secure her position as a food service assistant at the Enfield campus.”

Options for the future

Lita excelled in her BTec Level 3 Extended Diploma in Animation course, achieving triple Distinction stars in her results. She also won the Artistry Excellence Award at our Star Awards this year.

Although now happily forging a path in the catering industry, she hasn’t ruled out returning to animation at some point in the future.

You can find out more about our catering and hospitality courses here .