SERC Apprentice Highly Commended at World Skills

Level 3 catering apprentice Rachel Carson from SERC's Lisburn Campus recently competed at the UK's National World Skills competition where she was Highly Commended coming fourth overall for her culinary expertise. 

Held at the NEC Birmingham, WorldSkills not only encourages competitors to improve their own skills but provides an example of the high-quality work being produced in training organisations and colleges across the UK.

This year, 500 competitors competed against each other across 70 disciplines to test their skills in front of more than 85,000 spectators.

Under the watchful eye of the judges and visitors, 20-year-old Rachel from Crumlin was up against stiff competition from other competitors in the culinary arts competition as they competed to be named the National Champion.   

After starting her training in 2015, Rachel has proven time and again that she’s got the skills to succeed. Earlier this year, Rachel was named Student Culinarian of the Year at IFEX, was named Apprentice of the Year 2018 at the Institute of Hospitality Awards for Professionalism and was a runner up at European VET Excellence Awards.

Rachel currently works as the Senior Chef de Partie in Novelli’s at City Quays. Rachel was offered the job after successfully impressing the Executive Head Chef, Jim Mulholland.

Dr Neil Bentley, CEO of WorldSkills UK said: “This has been the biggest and best skills event that the UK has ever seen.  Undoubtedly, we have helped change thousands of lives for the better.”

Rachel's mentor, SERC Lecturer from the School of Hospitality, Management, Tourism and Languages Ruth Doherty said “I am extremely proud of Rachel. Yet again she is testament to herself and to the College. In the time that I have known Rachel she has impressed everyone with her skills and professionalism and I have no doubt she will have a flourishing career within the industry.”

SERC Principal and Chief Executive Ken Webb said "I would like to congratulate Rachel on her fantastic achievement. It is something to be very proud of and I hope she will cherish this for a long time. Rachel is a credit to her mentors, her family and her employer.”