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Desmond Smith kickstarted his journey at Worcester College of Technology when he enrolled on a BTEC National in Hospitality, fast forward a few years and he has cooked up a storm of success and is inspiring students one day at a time.

As well as completing the BTEC National in Hospitality, Desmond also did his NVQ Level 2 Professional Cookery and NVQ Level 2 Food and Beverage Service with the College. During his time here, Desmond was able to develop his hospitality skills in the commercial restaurant, gaining direct experience in dealing with customers. This provided him with a realistic and demonstrative example of how to deal with a range of situations. In addition, Desmond was able to gain skills and knowledge through his lecturer's experiences within the trade.

After completing his qualifications, Desmond left college with a solid understanding of the industry and skills which allowed him to find employment in a local 3-star hot el and award-winning restaurant.

Speaking about his journey, Desmond added:

“Worcester College of Technology gave me skills and more importantly the self-confidence to do well and progress into management roles very quickly”.

But his journey doesn’t stop there.

After spending some time working abroad, Desmond returned to the College to speak with his old lecturer, Richard Brighton, and was offered a job as restaurant trainer at the College. This job allowed him to use his experience of the industry and skills and knowledge he had gained as a student to train and inspire his students.

Whilst working at the College, Desmond was able to complete his assessor and teacher qualifications, which provided him with wider skills that allowed him to improve his teaching and take on additional responsibilities for his own courses. It was from the combination of his teaching at the College and experience he gained from the industry, that allowed him to then progress and work with City and Guilds as a consultant on the design, writing and implementation of new qualifications for colleges.

So, where is Desmond now?

Desmond now works as a Food and Beverage Lecturer in an FE College teaching students the range of skills and understanding to find careers in a food and beverage business. This includes topics such as customer service skills, food and bar service, taking payments and using an EPOS till, barista skills, cocktail making and personal employability skills.

Desmond’s journey is one that demonstrates how the skills and qualifications learnt at college can pave the way for a successful career that combines a love for the industry and a want to inspire the future generation.