A GROUP of events management students have visited the city to see how Chester Racecourse comes to life.
Ahead of the 2010 racing season, Chester Racecourse opened its doors to more than 80 first and second year students from Huddersfield University, who were invited to look behind the scenes of what has become the fastest growing racecourse in the country.
The South Yorkshire students, who are all studying event management at the university, visited Chester Racecourse, to see how a large scale venue caters for a variety of events and audience demographic.
From outside catering, hotel and restaurant management, staffing and operations including use of temporary structures for racing and events, the students talked to a variety of racecourse staff to bring their university events course to life.
Included in the staff talks was David Taylor, operations manager and ex-Huddersfield University events student.
As an ex-student he was able to explain the relevance of their course to the work that he now does as well as discussing opportunities for students to volunteer at the racecourse while they are studying.
Mandy White, lecturer in events management, said: “We conduct many site visits for the students during their course. However we have always found Chester Racecourse to offer the most diverse range in the events that they stage, which is fantastic for the students who are looking to learn all aspects of events management.
“Having an ex-student working there also allows students to see how their course can help with future employment and the doors that it can open in all aspects of event management.”
Rachelle Bell, a second year student at Huddersfield University, added: “Gaining practical industry experience is vital in order for me to complete my course successfully, and the possibility of volunteering at the racecourse during my studies, fills me with excitement.
“It’s all very well sitting in lectures reading about event management but actually seeing a venue in action is something that will add another dimension to my knowledge of the industry.”