Palace place for SERC’s Roisin

A former student from the Sourth-Eastern Regional College, Roisin Mckeown, is on course for a high-flying career having landed her dream job as chef de partie at Buckingham Palace.

Earlier in the year, Roisin wowed the judges with her culinary expertise to finish second place in the Craft Guild of Chefs 50th anniversary canapé competition which took place in the Palace kitchens where she had to prepare canapés for tasting by HRH the Countess of Wessex, who then selected a winner.

A former care assistant, Roisin, aged 32 from Downpatrick, returned to SERC to retrain and has just completed her level three professional cookery diploma and will now work in one of the finest establishments in the United Kingdom.

Roisin, who was a part-time mature learner explains:

“I am over the moon. Retraining was the best decision I ever made.  After speaking with my tutor Michael Gillies he suggested sending off my CV and portfolio to Buckingham Palace and I was invited for a trial which must have gone really well as I was offered a job as a chef de partie.

“I am so grateful to the staff at SERC for the high quality training which has opened up this great opportunity and enhanced my practical abilities and my own confidence. I’ve learned a lot whilst I’ve been at college and I’d like to thank all the tutors for pushing me in the right direction, particularly Michael Gillies for helping me in securing the job.”

SERC professional cookery tutor Michael Gillies says he is extremely happy for Roisin:

“She has worked really hard and deserves this excellent start to her career in hospitality,” he added. “The experience she will gain will stay with her for the rest of her professional career. She is a great example of how students can embrace what professional cookery has to offer and directly benefit from it.”

SERC principal and chief executive, Ken Webb says that SERC is keen to emphasise the importance of integrating industry expertise with the students’ studies:

“This is achieved through specialist workshops with visiting guest speakers and visits to restaurants and suppliers,” he said recently. “These experiences enhance the students’ culinary repertoire and make them outstanding candidates when looking for employment. We are extremely proud to see Roisin offered full-time work.”

Our picture shows former SERC professional cookery student Roisin McKeown celebrating with tutor Michael Gillies.