Enthusiastic foundation degree student Grainne McGlynn from Carryduff is gaining a unique insight into conferencing and banqueting at The Wellington Park Hotel thanks to her placement opportunity, part of her Foundation Degree in Hospitality, Tourism and Events studied at South Eastern Regional College (SERC).
Following a rigorous selection by The Wellington Park, Grainne received the opportunity to experience first-hand the role and responsibilities of a Hotel Manager and get a better idea of how the hospitality industry operates.
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Student Grainne McGlynn from Carryduff has built the right ‘Foundation’ for her career by studying a Foundation Degree in Hospitality Tourism and Events at SERC. Grainne is pictured with SERC’s Principal and Chief Executive Mr Ken Webb.[/caption]
Grainne, who studied at SERC’s Downpatrick campus, said the experience was invaluable and has helped to shape her career plans. Having completed her degree, 21 year old Grainne now plans to study business management and hopes to one day open her own restaurant.
Speaking about the foundation degree, Grainne who always had a keen interest in hospitality, explained that it has helped her gain invaluable knowledge and skills. Thanks to the placement, Grainne also gained a part-time job at the hotel and the opportunity to experience first-hand all areas of hotel management, a challenge she thoroughly enjoyed.
SERC Principal and Chief Executive Mr Ken Webb explained: “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.”
Speaking about her experience Grainne said: “I would definitely recommend the foundation degree programme. 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.”
The Wellington Park’s Conference and Banqueting Manager Steven Gallagher said: “We are really pleased to work with SERC to offer their students the opportunity to gain a real insight into the hospitality industry. The time students spend with us is a chance for them to gain valuable experience and to help them decide which area they might want to focus on when they graduate. If this is the quality of student SERC produces, then I would recommend them to anyone and we look forward to welcoming many more students to the scheme in the future.”
SERC have recently launched a range of new foundation degree courses including Applied Science and Medical Services, Engineering, Computing, Architectural Technology with Sustainable Design, Sustainable Construction and Leadership and Management.
For more information or to apply please visit
or call 0845 600 7555.
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