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

Email

m.hodgetts@ucb.ac.uk

"I've mentored students in a variety of cookery competitions, and I’m 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’m 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’ve 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’ve mentored students in a variety of cookery competitions, and I’m 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’m passionate about cooking because it opens doors all over the world, and I’m equally dedicated to my teaching. I had a great time studying at UCB, and it’s 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’m always trying to improve my skills and technique. Although I haven’t seen it in a while, I really enjoyed the film Ratatouille.