Student Spotlight: Why Leo decided to swap healthcare for catering

14 April 2026

We caught up with Leo to talk about his experience coming back to College as an adult and his newfound passion for cooking.

Returning to education as an adult can feel like a big step, but for Leo, it’s been a chance to completely reshape his future career in Catering.

After studying Health and Social Care at the College many years ago and pursuing a degree in Psychology, Leo learnt that he prefers more practical, hands-on tasks. Being in the kitchen gives him the perfect opportunity to get stuck in and explore his creativity.

We caught up with him to talk about his experience coming back to College, his passion for cooking, and his ambitions for the future.

What made you decide to come back to College?

I came back to College because I wanted to further my career and mainly switch my career path. I previously studied Health and Social Care and then went to university to do Psychology, but both are really theoretical and involve a lot of writing.

I realised I enjoy more practical, hands-on work. I like making things, and while I’m not traditionally very ‘artistic’, cooking gives me some artistic expression and freedom to make what I want.

What is it about Catering that interests you?

Cooking has always been something I really enjoy, and I didn’t get to do much of it in my old career. Also, at home I don’t have a lot of free time for it, so being able to come to College gives me the chance to cook more and focus on something I genuinely enjoy.

How have you found returning to education as an adult?

It’s been pretty fulfilling. I thought when I first started it would feel weird because I’m 22 now and I used to study here as a teenager. I thought it might be a bit awkward coming back, but it’s actually been quite nostalgic and I’m really enjoying it.

What advice would you give to other adults thinking about returning to college?

Don’t get discouraged because of the environment you’re in. Yes, you’ll be with a lot of younger people, but don’t worry about it, regardless of everyone’s ages you’re all here for the same reason. You all love to cook, so it’s easy to get on with it. Do what will benefit you in the long run. Don’t get scared and have confidence.

What are your goals after finishing the course?

I want to work somewhere in a kitchen for about two years, I don’t mind where, I just want to get more experience and get used to working in a professional kitchen. And then my aim would be to eventually work in a Michelin star restaurant. I have high dreams, I want to work in The Ritz one day, I can already see it in my mind!

Lastly – what’s your favourite dish to cook?

My favourite thing to cook is mac and cheese. It’s really fun, and it tastes great. My top tip would be to use a lot of cayenne chilli pepper, don’t go too crazy on the salt, and ALWAYS use fresh pasta.