Students at NRC welcome two of NI top Executive Head Chefs

Northern Regional College Level 3 Professional Cookery students pictured with Adrian McDaid, Head Chef from Europa Hastings Hotel and Paul McKnight, Head Chef from Culloden Estate and Spa. Also included is Jane McAuley and Paula McIntyre from Northern Regional College

Both Paul and Adrian have been through the same vocational journey as our students; both studied Catering at their local College, prior to working through the ranks and taking up their current positions as Executive Head Chefs at two prestigious hotels in Belfast.

Based on their own experiences, Paul and Adrian were both able to provide our Hospitality and Catering students an inside look into what challenges, experiences and expectations that may be ahead when considering a full-time career in the Catering industry.

At the Northern Regional College, Ballymoney campus we offer Level 1 to Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Professional Cookery (Preparation and Cooking). Each course offers a hands-on approach that balances theory with the practical experience of preparing and serving food. Our Level 3 course is taught by Paula McIntyre, the renowned Northern Irish Chef who has numerous radio and TV credits to her name, once again bringing industry expertise into the learning environment.

Paula McIntyre, from Northern Regional College continued, “We were delighted to welcome Paul and Adrian from the Hastings Group and have them share their experiences and advice with the students. As an ambassador for the group it was important for me to establish links with them and allow them to meet with students from a prospective employee angle. Links with industry are vital to vocational subjects and to have an association with Northern Ireland’s biggest hotel chain is a real plus.”

For further information on our Hospitality and Catering courses, visit www.nrc.ac.uk. We are now accepting applications for both part-time and full-time courses.