A former SERC student who was shortlisted for the prestigious Travel and Tourism Student of the Year Award, has won a luxury holiday to Dubai where she will enjoy a two-night stay at the Five Star accommodation, Jumeirah Beach Hotel.
The 24th annual Northern Ireland Travel and Tourism Awards, organised by Northern Ireland Travel News, attracted a 450-strong sell-out gathering of Travel and Tourism Industry decision-makers and executives to the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa recently.
Kerri Smyth from Downpatrick, who studied the foundation degree hospitality, tourism and events programme at the Colleges Downpatrick campus completed her course last June and has since progressed to the Ulster University’s international hospitality management degree, going straight into second year thanks to the knowledge gained at SERC.
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Former SERC student Kerri Smyth,centre, from Downpatrick who was shortlisted for the prestigious Travel and Tourism Student of the Year Award, has won a luxury holiday to Dubai where she will enjoy a two-night stay at the Five Star accommodation, Jumeirah Beach Hotel.[/caption]
Speaking about her experience at SERC, Kerri said: “I would definitely recommend the foundation degree programmes to anyone as they ease you into degree level education and prepare you for work, as well as providing a focus on work based learning and professional development.
The placement at Leuven Institute for Ireland in Belgium was a wonderful opportunity to get an insight into the world of work. It was also a great opportunity to explore the career options open to me within the travel and tourism industry.
“The fact that the foundation degree included a substantial work placement period was what convinced me to enrol. I would recommend studying a foundation degree to anyone thinking of returning to education.”
Course Co-Ordinator Rachel Suitor said: “Kerri was nominated for the award due to her commitment to personal development and passion for the travel, tourism and hospitality industry.
“Kerri had the choice to complete the two-week bridging course which would have allowed her to enter final year of the degree programme but instead she decided to progress to the Ulster University’s BSc International Hospitality Management moving into year two of the programme, to top up her foundation degree qualification.”
SERC’s foundation degrees are awarded by the Ulster University and provide students with a choice of continuing the academic route towards a BSc/BA in any related discipline or entering employment at supervisory level. Carolyn King, SERC Placement Officer, added: “Foundation degrees combine academic study with on-the-job experience. This means foundation degree students graduate with a specialised set of skills that meet the specific needs of employers in a particular sector.
“At SERC we are committed to providing students with valuable work placements and development opportunities which allow them to improve their skills, add to their knowledge and explore their potential.
“During the placement programme, students are given the opportunity to work in a busy environment to gain experience, with the aim of helping them secure full time employment following their degree.”
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