SERC Culinary Arts and Music students head to Nashville

A group of 21 students from South Eastern Regional College (SERC) is  heading to Nashville, Tennessee on a three-week work and study experience (4 – 25 March), fully funded through the Turing Scheme.

Nine culinary arts students from the Level 3 Patisserie & Confectionery, Higher Level Apprenticeship in Culinary Arts, and Level 3 Professional Cookery programmes, and 12 students from the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music, studying at Bangor, Downpatrick and Lisburn Campuses, as well as one student based at the Galgorm Spa and Resort through the NI Hospitality School, will make the trip Stateside.

The Nashville-bound students make up the first cohort of a total of 130 students, supported by 44 staff, from across SERC who will undertake either a study or work placement in Spring 2023.

The culinary arts students will work in the luxury Dream Nashville-Printer’s Alley venue, part of Dreams Hotel Group. During their time there, they will learn about local cuisines and culinary techniques whilst the music students will work with established musicians and producers and will collaborate with students from Belmont College.  One of the highlights of the visit will involve students sharing their talents and homegrown culture performing for crowds at Nashville’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations. 

Students and Apprentices participating:

Aimee Roleston, (Millisle) - Level 3 Patisserie and Confectionery at Bangor Campus, Dylan Murphy, (Newtownards), employed by Eight South - Professional Cookery Level 3 Apprenticeship at Bangor Campus.  

Sarah Termonia, Antrim studying at Galgorm (NI Hospitality School) - Level 2 Diploma in Professional Chef (Northern Ireland).  

Connor Addis, (Ardglass), employed by The Barn and Bronagh Beattie, (Ardglass), employed by Cú, from the Higher Level Apprenticeship in Culinary Arts at Downpatrick Campus.       

Rachel Carson, (Crumlin) and Josie Chapman, (Tandragee), both employed by Yellow Door, from the Higher Level Apprenticeship in Culinary Arts at Lisburn Campus.

Christopher Barry, (Killinchy); Francis Marsden, (Newtownabbey), Gilah Greig, (Newtownards), Conor Marcus, (Drumaness), Melissa Brown, (Newtownards), Nicole Smyth, (Bangor), Nicholas Dougherty, (Bangor), Orion Courtney Lee, (Bangor), Dominic McCrory, (Belfast) – Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Music at Bangor Campus; and,  

Courtney Craig, (Moneymore), Jordan Quinn, (Ballynahinch) and David Wright, (Clough) from the Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Music at Lisburn Campus.  

Paul Mercer, Deputy Head of School Tourism, Hospitality, Business and Management says, “This is a fantastic opportunity for our culinary arts students to immerse themselves in professional cookery in another country.   They will learn about Appalachian cuisine through essential hands-on experience in local restaurants and resorts. The students will also have the chance to show off some of their homegrown repertoire during festivities organised for St Patrick’s Day celebrations and to enjoy a host of US cultural activities."

Peter McVeigh, Lecturer in Music adds, “Nashville is the renowned capital for music, so our students are set to enjoy a packed schedule of activities which will include engaging with some very influential musicians and representatives of the music industry throughout their visit. They will have the opportunity to showcase their own material at the famous Grand Ole Opry during a St. Patrick’s Day performance and experience live world-class recordings. The trip will provide a valuable and exciting learning experience for all the students, made possible through the College’s industry contacts, and will widen their horizons by offering insights into various career paths within a bustling industry.”

The Turing Scheme provides funding for students and accompanying staff to undertake a study or work placement across the world. This is a life-changing experience for SERC students, giving them a unique opportunity to gain vital international experience, improving their technical skills and their employability or T-Skills. Students also improve their language skills and gain a better understanding of other global cultures and work practices. The Turing Scheme contributes to the UK Government’s commitment to a Global Britain, by helping organisations such as SERC to enhance our existing international links and forge new relationships. The delivery partner for the Turing Scheme is Capita working on behalf of the Department for Education.

Find out how you can unlock your future with SERC. Come along to our Open Evening for Full Time students from 4.00pm – 7.00pm on Wednesday 8 March 2023 at the College’s Bangor, Downpatrick, Lisburn and Newtownards Campuses.     #BetterOffAtSERC.