College tutor picks up top award for cookery course

10 February 2016

THE South Eastern Regional College’s professional cookery tutor Michael Gillies has won the prestigious City and Guilds Medal for Excellence Award for his work in delivering cookery programmes at the college.

Michael — who is based at the College’s Downpatrick campus — said it was a great honour to win the award, explaining the “outstanding facilities” at his Market Street base has allowed him to motivate and enthuse students to achieve their goals.

“The award is as much a reflection on the department and the school as it is on me individually. I’m really grateful to the students and my colleagues. I’m delighted to see that they think some of the things that I have been doing are useful to their education and I very much enjoy working with the students on all of the modules that I teach,” he added.

City and Guilds Medals for Excellence have been awarded for over 100 years and aim to acknowledge exceptional talent amongst learners, lecturers and trainers who have gone above and beyond what is expected to achieve their goals.

Along with the modules Michael teaches on his courses, he finds the time to mentor students for local and national competitions with resounding success.

The College’s Head of School for Hospitality, Tourism and Events, James Currie, said excellent tutors have a “profound and positive effect” on their students’ learning; widening their knowledge and skills base, increasing their self-confidence and raising their aspirations.

“The entrants for this year’s award are teaching outstanding and innovative lessons which inspire and enthuse their students. Many congratulations to Michael.

“Not enough recognition is given out for hard work these days, but the Medal for

Excellence offers this chance.

It proves to professionals that all their hard work isn’t for nothing.’’

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