Yeovil College Elevates Student Training through the Hospitality Horizons Project with Savoy Educational Trust Funding
Yeovil College has transformed its Hospitality Department through the ‘Hospitality Horizons’ project, made possible by a generous grant from the Savoy Educational Trust.
The funding enabled the College to upgrade essential front-of-house equipment – including a barista machine, glasswasher, hot water boiler, and ice machine – bringing industry-standard equipment into the Da Vinci Training Restaurant and significantly enhancing the learner experience.
These upgrades have improved efficiency, reliability, and sustainability across the department. The new equipment has reduced energy and water consumption, eliminated plastic waste from bagged ice, and lowered operational costs. All machines were selected with eco-conscious features, supporting the College’s net zero targets.
The impact on learners has been immediate and profound. 100% of surveyed students reported a major improvement in training quality, with the barista machine named as their favourite piece of equipment. Over 30 learners have already completed cocktail and barista training, with more scheduled for the autumn term. Curriculum enhancements now include advanced coffee techniques, mocktails, and cocktail skills aligned with modern hospitality demands.
The funding also enabled the launch of new adult evening courses in Barista Skills, Cocktail Making, and Patisserie, expanding access to hospitality education and strengthening community engagement. Learner numbers have increased across key programmes, and the Da Vinci Restaurant continues to serve as a vibrant, real-world training hub.
Without this funding, the College would have been unable to replace ageing equipment or deliver the enriched training now available. In a region where hospitality funding is rare, this investment has empowered learners, modernised facilities, and positioned Yeovil College as a leader in sustainable, high-quality hospitality education in the South West.
