Four Bournemouth & Poole College Hospitality and Catering students are celebrating after making their way into the final of the Institute of Hospitality’s Southern Branch Student of the Year Awards 2018, with one even taking the prize for Front of House Student of the Year.
The ceremony, which took place at the Balmer Lawn Hotel in Brockenhurst, saw the awards presented by Jane Devonshire (MasterChef winner 2016).
Adam Marki-Fejes, who recently won the Major Series International Competition in London, was Highly Commended in the Pastry Student of the Year category. Aimee O’Connell was runner-up in the Apprentice Student of the Year category, with Elenya Montague securing runner-up in the Management Student of the Year category. The Front of House Student of the Year category was won by Chloe Carlton.
Speaking after the event, Chloe said: “I’m so honoured and proud to win this amazing award and I’m looking forward to progressing in this challenging, ever changing and exciting industry.”
The Institute of Hospitality is the professional body for managers and aspiring managers working in the hospitality, leisure and tourism industry and has been in existence since the 1930s. Having built a strong reputation as a membership organisation promoting quality standards and education, its membership now spans more than 100 countries around the globe.
To be selected as finalists, the students had to submit an application which was considered by a panel of six esteemed judges. They were then filmed by a professional videographer to create a short presentation to highlight their skills.
Tracy Butler, learning manager for catering at the College, said: “Our students repeatedly impress judges at these finals, often securing top accolades in many of the categories.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for them to demonstrate their skills to leading figures in the industry. Each year we’re impressed with the professionalism demonstrated by the students and are extremely proud of their achievements.”
The College has places available on its hospitality and catering courses starting this September and encourages anyone who is considering a career in the industry to apply now. Please visit thecollege.co.uk/hospitality for more information.