MIACC students visit Santa Casa's Benfica Vocational Training Centre and exchange experiences with young trainees

As part of their curricular activities, students on the Master's and Innovation in Culinary Arts and Sciences (MIACC) course at the Estoril School of Hospitality and Tourism (ESHTE) visited the Benfica Professional Training Centre of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa.

The visit allowed them to get to know the facilities up close and to talk to the young trainees in the Cookery and Pastry areas.

The MIACC students visited the classrooms, the administrative spaces, the canteen and the Pedagogical Farm, where educational practices linked to sustainability and conscious eating are developed.

The most enriching moment was the informal conversation with the Santa Casa trainees, marked by the sharing of experiences and empathy between future gastronomy professionals.

"It was very gratifying to meet young people who are so motivated and committed to their training. The exchange of ideas was inspiring for everyone," said Ariana Gomes, a student at the training centre.

"These visits are essential to show our trainees that there are multiple possible paths within the field of cookery. Seeing young university students interested in innovation and the social impact of gastronomy broadens horizons," said Claúdia Pinto, manager of Santa Casa.

"We're very proud of what we've built here at the Benfica centre. Receiving visits like this is a way of giving visibility to the work of our young people and promoting synergies with other educational institutions," added Paula Morais, who is responsible for coordinating the Vocational Training Centre.

This visit reinforces the importance of the link between different levels of education and professional practices, promoting a culture of collaboration, inclusion and innovation in the catering and food sector.