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- Martin Hodgetts

Martin Hodgetts
Department of Birmingham College of Food
Senior Lecturer in Professional Cookery
Academic qualifications
Level 3 professional cookery, CertEd, Level 4 TAQA IQA, Level 3 TAQA Assessor
"I've mentored students in a variety of cookery competitions, and I鈥檓 especially proud that the students I supported won the British Culinary Federation (BCF) Student Chef competition two times in a row."

My students know me as Chef Hodgetts - I teach on our FE Professional Cookery courses. I鈥檓 proud to work with aspiring chefs at the start of their careers, helping them build strong practical skills, confidence, and a genuine appreciation for our industry.
My journey started here at UCB as a student, and during that time I worked in a range of restaurants and luxury hotels. After graduating and spending several years in industry, I moved into a part-time teaching role, which soon became full-time. I鈥檝e now been teaching for ten years and was promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2021.
In class, I draw on my own professional experiences to share the skills, tips, and insights that help students thrive in our industry. I鈥檝e mentored students in a variety of cookery competitions, and I鈥檓 especially proud that the students I supported won the British Culinary Federation (BCF) Student Chef competition two times in a row. I also keep close links with industry through colleagues past and present, which keeps my teaching and skills up-to-date and relevant.
I鈥檓 passionate about cooking because it opens doors all over the world, and I鈥檓 equally dedicated to my teaching. I had a great time studying at UCB, and it鈥檚 important to me that my students have the same positive experience. I therefore focus on creating a supportive, professional environment where my students are encouraged to develop both personally and professionally. My advice to new students is simple: keep asking questions!
Outside of work, I enjoy walking, staying active, and spending time with my family. I have a keen interest in angling and I鈥檓 always trying to improve my skills and technique. Although I haven鈥檛 seen it in a while, I really enjoyed the film Ratatouille.