Brian is congratulated on his HIT scholarship win by David Cochrane.
Brian Mayne from Rosyth has been on a culinary adventure to Switzerland which is guaranteed to set him on the path to a fabulous career in the hospitality industry.
The 35-year-old, who is studying HNC Professional Cookery at Fife College, was nominated by his lecturers to receive a Hospitality Industry Trust Scotland (HIT) award.
Both Brian and his lecturers were delighted to learn that he was one of a handful of students in Scotland chosen to receive the award which saw him wing his way to Lausanne in Switzerland last month for an exciting conference style event.
The globally renowned Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne offers Hospitality Management programmes to students from all over the world.
HIT Scotland funds the all expenses trip for award-winning students, who take part in a two-day programme which covers all aspects of the Hospitality industry using a blend of business presentations and hands-on practical experience.
Said Brian: “I felt very honoured to be nominated for this award by my lecturers and really excited about the opportunity to travel to Lausanne. My Dad was a chef and when I was young I always dreamed of being a chef just like him. While at school I was also interested in engineering and decided to go down that route and joined the Navy.
“Unfortunately due to my eyesight I was discharged and ended up in a variety of customer service type jobs. I wasn’t happy as there was no career progression and knew I had to make a change. Coming to college was the best decision I have made – I am happier as a person as I love cooking which also relaxes me. I started on the NC Level 5 continued on to the Level 6 and I’m now studying HNC Professional Cookery. I currently work full-time at the Keavil House Hotel in Dunfermline and hope to secure a similar full-time role when I leave college.
“The HIT scholarship will certainly help me to progress my career – it was a fantastic experience to learn all about the latest approaches to customer service within a five star restaurant setting and gain lots of new skills and experiences which I will always remember. I would like to thank the College and my lecturers for supporting me and HIT Scotland for this fantastic opportunity.”
Gaynor Jamieson, Trust Fundraiser for the Adam Smith Foundation, said: “Brian is a credit to the College and we are delighted that he has gained so much from the HIT award.
“The Adam Smith Foundation is a unique programme that helps hundreds of students each year by giving them a helping hand and recognition which provides them with the boost they need to progress their studies and begin their career. I would like to congratulate Brian on his achievement and thank HIT Scotland for their ongoing support.”
David Cochrane, Chief Executive at HIT Scotland said: “HIT Scotland is delighted to award this scholarship to Brian. He showed all the positive characteristics that we look for in our dynamic industry and it was great to meet him and hear all about his trip to Lausanne.”
“This scholarship has enabled him to explore and learn from the best of the best, and I know this will enhance Brian’s future opportunities.”
Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scotland is a charity which aims to help those training to enter the industry and those already within, to develop their skills and enhance their knowledge.
