"Any opportunity to congratulate students on their success is a bonus", says Eddie Mclntyre, Principal of Birmingham College of Food, Tourism and Creative Studies. "The Birmingham Community College Five Star Awards is an occasion to do just that, however apart from the nominees and winners, it is fitting to highlight other students who, due to their hard work and commitment are a credit to the college."
Situated in the city centre in SummerRow, the College offers both further and higher education programmes from NVQ to Degree to Masters qualifications. 6,500 students study on part and full time programmes, including over 450 international students from 70 different countries.
For chef student, Charlotte Barr working for a celebrity is no problem as she is currentlycreating culinary masterpieces in Rick Stein's famous Seafood Restaurant in Padstow, Cornwall. Charlotte is there as on a year long industrial placement as part of her Higher National Diploma in Culinary Arts Management.
Last year Charlotte, who is 22 and from Sheldon, helped the College win the title of Best Hotel School in the UK and to put the icing on the cake in 2001 she was named as Gold winner of the Egon Ronay Student Chef of the Year competition. Toshina Ellis can safely be described as head and shoulders above the rest after winning a national black hairdressing competition.
Toshina is head and shoulders above the rest Toshina, 19, an NVQ Hair and Beauty student won first prize in the Soft Sheen Carson Optimum College Challenge.
Toshina used fellow student Selina Davis as a model and, with her skills of twisting, plaiting and relaxing, came up with the winning style.
Carol Moore, hair and beauty lecturer, said, "The judges were impressed with her creative flair, originality and precision of the style. Toshina is an outstanding student and everyone is delighted with her success."
Toshina was presented with her award at a star-studded Black Hair and Beauty Awards ceremony held at the London Hilton.
When she leaves college she wants to work on photo shoots and spend some time working abroad.
The flexible working arrangement of Postgraduate qualifications makes them particularly ideal for those who want to combine
a career with study and get recognition for their experience.
Stacey Walton, completed an MA Hospitality Management programme and enthuses about the opportunities his chosen
career has brought him, "Just the other day I met Bill Clinton and I have met the England Football Team. That's what I love about my job, you never know who you are going to meet next! "
He says he chose the College because of its academic reputation and its links with industry.
"The Masters programme has really helped me to develop by teaching me how to apply theoretical principles to real business problems and also how to form strategies, objectives, financial budgets and goals. All the tutors were very supportive and understood work and college pressures - they were a constant source of encouragement and motivation.
"In my role as the Food and Beverage Manager at Emirates Golf Club in Dubai recently the Dubai Desert Classic, saw 40,000
visitors keeping us very busy! I was responsible for 3 restaurants, 2 bars, banqueting for up to 1 ,000 people, pool and bar, outside and on course catering as well as playing apart in the general management of the property.
"I am sure that without the knowledge and confidence my MA has given me, I would not have been able to succeed in this high profile position."
Opportunities to study can come at different times in different people's lives. The College's Community and Business Programmes Unit offers a range of short courses, which give people a chance to learn about something they enjoy or have always wanted to do.
Harborne based Norman Phillips is 72 and is keen to keep on quenching his thirst when it comes to computers.
His credits already include successful completion of a CLAIT comruter literacy course and the European Computer Driving Licence course. "I just wanted to find out more about computers" says Norman, "I am a Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator and have found it extremely useful to know how to do databases and spreadsheets
and use Word. You can learn at your own pace and the tutors are right there when you need them which is great. We have fun and I thoroughly enjoy the challenge of studying and I am looking to do an advanced course next term". Lecturer, Gill Massey is highly complimentary of Norman "He is a brilliant student, always attentive and ready to learn and has gained some outstanding marks for his work." And, in return for time and effort students can be sure that they are studying in the best surroundings. The new £8million facilities at Richmond House in Newhall Street include The Spa featuring a fabulous suite of hair and beauty salons, a spa pool, sauna, steam room, fully equipped multi-gym and dance studio. In the Summer Row building, three training restaurants are open to the public and serve a range of foods from pub style to fine dining.
Celebrity chef, Gordon Ramsay is very complimentary of the college's training facilities.
On a recent visit he said "This college has better catering facilities than a lot of five star hotels in the Capital." and Roger
Narbett, Chef to the England Football Team said "Working in a busy, hot kitchen is tough and demanding but having the best equipment to hand makes the challenge much easier and the new kitchens in the college will give the students the best possible start."
Last year the College was named as one of the Government's Centres of Vocational Excellence for Catering and Hospitality and
following this, the Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy division was awarded the same accolade.
For further information contact the College's Marketing Unit on 0121 6935959, email marketing@bcftcs.ac.uk or visit the website www.bcftcs.ac.uk.
Win a meal for two!
The College has three training restaurants, The Brasserie, The Cap and Gown pub and The Atrium. For a chance to win £40 vouchers to spend in any of the three restaurants simply send your name and address on a postcard to: Marketing Unit,
Birmingham College of Food, Tourism and Creative Studies, SummerRow, Birmingham B3 1JB.
Closing date for entries: Friday 16 May 2003
|
