Peterborough College Students Experience "A Day in the Life of an RAF Chef" at RAF Wittering

Catering and Hospitality students from Peterborough College recently traded the classroom for the flight line, taking part in an immersive “Day in the Life of an RAF Chef” experience at RAF Wittering.

The visit, arranged in collaboration with the Royal Air Force, provided learners with a comprehensive look at the unique career paths available within military catering and the lifestyle benefits of serving in the RAF.

The day began with a detailed presentation outlining the diverse roles available to catering students. Personnel discussed the practical requirements for joining, including fitness standards, initial training, and necessary qualifications. Students also gained insight into the RAF’s offer, covering:

• Competitive pay and structured working hours.
• Advanced training and global travel opportunities.
• On-base accommodation and the unique military lifestyle.

Students were given a guided tour of the base’s professional kitchens and various Messes, observing first-hand the environments where RAF chefs operate daily. This was followed by lunch in the Sergeants Mess, allowing students to experience the high standards of military hospitality.

The afternoon shifted focus to the RAF’s heritage and logistics. Highlights included:

Historic Aircraft Tour: A visit to the hangars where students viewed aircraft previously used in service.

Expert Talk: Warrant Officer Emma Hanson delivered a presentation on the history of aircraft duties and the vital role catering services have played in supporting missions, both past and present.

Logistics & Equipment: A tour of the equipment hangars showcased the immense logistical effort required to transport and set up mobile kitchens for global tours and missions.

To put their skills to the test, students were introduced to field cooking appliances and the complexities of setting up a kitchen in remote environments.

The group was divided into teams for a practical shortbread-making task, using field ovens set up within the hangars. While their creations baked, students toured a “crash kitchen” housed in a tent, demonstrating the reality of working in high-pressure, tactical environments.

The visit concluded with a tour of the base’s gym, fitness facilities, and accommodation sites, followed by a Q&A session with RAF personnel.

“The day was a great success, and all of the students were made to feel incredibly welcome by everyone we met,” said a Hospitality Lecturer from Peterborough College. “It provided an invaluable look at how catering skills are applied in a military context.”

Following the positive feedback from this trip, Peterborough College is already planning a return visit to RAF Wittering for the new academic year to continue providing students with this unique industry perspective.