Elizabeth’s gastronomic career earns her a Gold Service Scholarship

Former student Elizabeth Forkuoh has shown exactly what can be achieved from studying professional cookery and hospitality at college, by working as an assistant manager in a five-star hotel and soaring up the culinary ladder to be named the winner of the Gold Service Scholarship, the UK’s most prestigious front of house of award.

The award offers the opportunity for an aspiring individual to hone their craft through mentoring, travel and placement opportunities provided by the industry’s most senior service professionals.

Her success was highlighted in The Caterer magazine where her award was featured on the front cover and within a three-page feature, highlighting facts such as being shortlisted with the likes of a footman from the royal household and a manager from Claridge’s, London.

Elizabeth’s culinary journey began at college, where initially, she wanted to study languages but she soon found her passion for hospitality and was on her way to winning a medallion of excellence competing in Abu Dhabi, representing the UK and the college in restaurant services.

She also won a British Education Award whilst at college where she says that working at its training restaurant Merlin’s, was an essential part of her training.

At college, she was always passionate about front of house skills and delivering a professional service and was often organising and taking part in special events in Merlin’s.

Studying an NVQ in hospitality supervision as well as professional cookery, her tutors nurtured Elizabeth’s skills along with other industry specialists from WorldSkills UK and as part of the training, Elizabeth gained work experience in the Ritz.