Students Get a Taste for Valencia

Lecturer Ruth Doherty, one of the team who accompanied the students, said, “The students spent their time working in a range of local bakery businesses, developing their skills in producing breads, pastries, desserts, and cakes, while learning about life in the busy Spanish city, and experiencing the culture.” 

She added, “The students enjoyed a range of cultural activities during their stay including a visit to Albufera, home of Paella, where they had the opportunity to learn how to cook this authentic Spanish dish. They also had time to enjoy the local aquarium, and of course spent some time on the beautiful beach.” 

Speaking about her placement, Aimee Roleston, from Millisle, on the Level 2 Professional Bakery course said, “It was a nice workplace with a great atmosphere. I liked that I was trusted to bake all the recipes myself without much guidance.” 

Fellow student Emma Stewart, from Dromore, said, “I am now able to dress cakes a lot quicker and with more attention to detail. My skillset has improved so much especially with making tarts from start to finish. Overall, I feel a lot more confident in my baking ability.” 

Ruth concluded, “Twenty per cent of the students applied for passports for the trip which demonstrates widening horizons. The opportunity to take part in a placement such as this is a real boost to the confidence of our students as they get to develop their skills, experience different cultures and increase their independence.”   

SERC were the only FE College in Northern Ireland to complete what are known as student mobility visits in 2021/2022. 

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