Elizabeth Forkuoh, a hospitality supervision and leadership student at Coleg Sir Gâr has won the annual VQ Intermediate Learner of the Year award, 2016.
The former Coedcae pupil who works at the Stradey Park Hotel and studies at the college’s training restaurant in Carmarthen was announced the winner across Wales at a celebratory event held in Cardiff.
The VQ awards celebrate the achievements of both learners and employers across Wales and are organised by the Welsh Government, the National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW) and ColegauCymru / CollegesWales.
Elizabeth was one of four finalists in the VQ Intermediate Learner of the Year Award category, which recognises individuals who demonstrate progression and excellence in vocational studies and have made considerable achievements in their field.
“I decided to focus on hospitality when I started college,” said Elizabeth. “I enjoy working in the kitchen but I find front of house more interesting. I like meeting people and it’s really helped me to improve my languages.”
She has experienced significant success representing Wales and the UK in skills competitions since starting college and since then has won many more national competitions, securing her place on the WorldSkills Squad UK team where she hopes to compete at Abu Dhabi in 2017 in restaurant services.
Although ambitious, Elizabeth has decided to defer her degree in hotel management until 2018. “I want to make the most of the opportunities offered to me to compete internationally first,” she said. “I would really like to be selected to compete in WorldSkills Abu Dhabi in 2017.
Lesley Morgan, senior manager at Stradey Park Hotel, said: “Elizabeth’s enthusiasm for customer care and service is outstanding. Her knowledge and interest in food and wine is vast and she always wants to learn about new dishes and ideas that the kitchen may have. I believe Elizabeth will achieve great things.”
Linda Thomas, lecturer in catering and hospitality at Coleg Sir Gâr and Sector Champion for Social and Professional Services for the Inspiring Excellence in Wales project, said: “We nominated Elizabeth for this award as she’s shown outstanding commitment to her studies.
“She’s an exemplar student who has the motivation, skills and attitude to make a very successful career in her field.”
Pic: VQ Intermediate Learner of the Year winner Elizabeth Forkuoh, left, with Stradey Park Hotel food and beverage manager Lesley Morgan, centre, and Coleg Sir Gâr tutor Linda Thomas, right.