Chef lecturer Thomas finds winning recipe

Chef lecturer Thomas finds winning recipe

1 October 2025

A LECTURER at South Eastern Regional College’s Downpatrick campus has been recognised at the prestigious Institute of Hospitality Northern Ireland Awards.

Chef lecturer Thomas Turley won the Lecturer of the Year award, beating off stiff competition from Southern Regional College and Ulster University.

The award was presented at a gala award ceremony held recently at the Culloden Estate and Spa.

The IOH Awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of individuals to their place of work and the sector.

Mr Turley, who lectures on programmes ranging from Level 2 Traineeship to Foundation Degree, joined SERC in 2018.

He brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the college, having previously worked for culinary heavyweights Michael Deane and Paul Rankin and gained international experience in Australia, Finland, the Netherlands and the USA.

Students under his tutelage have gone on to work for celebrity chefs Tom Kerridge and Gordon Ramsay.

Mr Turley said: “I am absolutely delighted to be recognised with this award from the IOH for Lecturer of the Year.

“It is a real honour to work with the students each year and I love to see their knowledge, skills and confidence grow as they progress through their courses and move on to further studies or roles in the hospitality sector.”

He continued: “So many people, past students, colleagues and people I have worked with over the years, have got in touch with me this past week to say congratulations which has been really special.”   

“I am part of a great team at SERC – from fellow lecturers and technicians to facilities management and all college support teams.

“Outside the college, I have great support from individuals and business across the sector who take on students, host visits or come into the college to share their expertise with a masterclass.”

He added: “I am thrilled to get the award, but am very happy to say the recognition is also all about all the students and people who help me in my role as chef lecturer at SERC.” 

Bronagh Beattie, from Ardglass, who recently graduated with a Higher Level Apprenticeship in Culinary Arts from SERC, was shortlisted for an IOH Student Management Potential award.

Bronagh is employed as a product specialist with Sysco Foods.