Hotel school Barrington College launches new Southport campus with commercial kitchen, replica hotel room

A replica hotel room and a fully stocked bar are just two of the surprising features you’ll find inside a new $4.2 million school on the Gold Coast. Here’s why.

A NEW school already has more than 800 students enrolled as it opens its doors officially for the first time today.

Vocational education provider Barrington College last night launched its $4.2 million campus in Southport, designed to provide hands-on training to future hospitality workers.

The purpose-built facility comes complete with a full commercial kitchen, coffee pod stations, a fully-stocked bar and a replica hotel reception and bedroom.

Charlotte Young and Bujin Chuluunbaatar put the finishing touches to a cake. Picture: Richard Gosling.

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The college’s CEO Colleen Gauder said there was a lack of facilities for students to gain the practical skills needed for the industry.

“The benefit of this is that people study the theory side of it but they actually don’t know how to do it properly,” she said.

“Here we have all the equipment to prepare the students so when they do look for employment they pick up employment very quickly.”

The campus is also taking on international students, providing English classes as well as Diploma of Business courses for high school students.

Matthew Bartusche in the Barrington College kitchen. Picture: Richard Gosling.

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Originally from Mongolia, 31-year-old Bujin Chuluunbaatar moved to the Gold Coast to take the course, and works as the Palazzo Versace’s pastry chef while studying.

“I was thinking it was between Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast, but I did research and I liked the lifestyle and the weather here,” she said.

“Then I found the school and I’m really happy with my choice because I have a lot of fun here. I feel like life, work and study balance really well.”