Ayr Graduation 2019: Excellence in Hospitality Award
It feels amazing to have won this award, especially when I’ve worked so hard. I feel so proud of myself!
Michelle Kerr, HND Hospitality
Before coming to college I had worked in the care industry for twelve years, so starting a course in Hospitality was a massive change for me.
I was in recovery from having a stroke, and this made me rethink what I wanted from my life, and was the catalyst for me to change my career.
I’d always had a love of cooking and baking, so the course was perfect for me. I had no hospitality or kitchen experience other than preparing meals at home for the family, so I’m delighted with all that I’ve achieved.
Initially I did worry about starting college. I thought how would I manage the workload? How was I going to find the time for the school runs, continue to work part time and study to complete coursework on time, was I too old? I needn’t have worried as the staff at Ayrshire College encouraged me every step of the way.
The skills I’ve gained from my course include; basic knife skills, working in an industrial kitchen, serving and preparing food for the college restaurant, silver service, barista and bar training, financial aspects of owning a business and managerial skills.
I’ve had several highlights throughout my time on the course. From being involved in special events such as the graduations to Burns suppers, serving at the Scottish Parliament, working at Trump Turnberry hotel, to making it to the semi-finals of the Torque d’Or chef competition.
I was also very privileged to have received a scholarship in Switzerland to visit the prestigious Lausanne Hotel Hospitality Management school which was a fantastic opportunity.
It feels amazing to have won this award, especially when I’ve worked so hard. I feel so proud of myself!
Working in the college’s training restaurant Salt & Barrel over the summer has given me vital work experience and has been a good opportunity to put everything I’ve learned into practice.
I’m now continuing my time in the Hospitality department at Ayrshire College working alongside the lecturers as a Hospitality Intern and providing support and sharing my experiences with the students. One day I’d like to open my own business.
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