COATBRIDGE PUPILS SET FOR CAREER SUCCESS
A group of pupils from Willowbank School in Coatbridge took an important step towards a career in catering and hospitality on Monday (June 8th).
Five Willowbank pupils were formally presented with City & Guilds qualifications in Hospitality after successfully completing 10 months of practical tuition in the Snapdragon restaurant at Cardinal Newman High in Bellshill.
The pupils, who range in age from 15 to 17, have worked closely with senior tutor, Lanarkshire’s Catering School, Chris Crosbie every Monday from September last year to learn more about working in a large-volume catering environment.
Willowbank’s Liam Cannon, Lisa Fleming, Daniel Lappin, Liam Mooney and Danielle McCall all received their accreditations from Lanarkshire Catering School’s Training Manager Rita Kellyat an event held in the Snadpdragon restaurant and attended by 30 people including Willowbank pupils and teachers.
Pupil Lisa Fleming, 16, is delighted to have achieved her City & Guilds certificate.
She said: “We’ve all been working really hard and it’s great to have official recognition for our efforts. I’ve learned a lot about how to work effectively in a professional kitchen and we’ve all started to work together as an effective team.
“I’ve really enjoyed the challenge, and I’m keen to continue working towards a career in catering. I’ll be starting a work experience programme in the kitchens of the Bentley Hotel in Motherwell at the end of the month and I can’t wait to get started.”
The pupils’ achievement is part of the Expanded Learning Opportunities (ELO) initiative, which local employment project North Lanarkshire’s Working promotes to help young people realise their potential.
The ELO programme aims to help young people aged 14 and upwards at each of the participating schools to move on to a suitable job, training programme or further education course and develop the confidence and self-esteem required to achieve their potential and play a valuable role in society.
Christine Pollock, Executive Director, Learning and Leisure Services at North Lanarkshire Council, said: “The Expanded Learning Opportunities programme is providing invaluable support to local young people who want to build a better future for themselves.
“I’d like to offer my congratulations to these Willowbank pupils who have shown real dedication and commitment to pursuing a career in the catering trade. Their City & Guilds certificates are well-earned, and I wish them all the best for the future.”
