South West College, Hospitality and Catering students from the Omagh, Enniskillen and Dungannon campuses are celebrating after winning several major awards at IFEX 2022 International Food Exhibition, across a range of Junior and Senior Salon categories at the Titanic Exhibition Centre, Belfast.

Supported by Retail NI, the Hospitality and Catering showcase awards are run as part of IFEX, which is Northern Irelands longest-standing event displaying the latest food and drink products, catering equipment, interiors, technology and services to food and retail and hospitality industries.

Across the three days, students from the College’s full and part-time professional cookery, culinary, and hospitality courses competed with students across a range of Junior and Senior Salon categories showcasing their technical skills and creativity judged by industry experts. 

SWC were delighted to scoop a range of top awards, including fifteen medals and three merit certificates.

Ronan Kerr, who is in his second year of City and Guild Level 3 Diploma in Professional Cookery, winning a gold medal in the Student Culinarian of the Year 2022. Ronan impressed the judges with his technical ability, creativity and use; of ingredients when preparing his ‘Celebration of Sperrin lamb and dessert textures of rhubarb’.

Delighted to win Gold, Ronan Kerr added:

“I am delighted to have competed at such a prestigious event and l enjoyed showcasing unique, local, sustainable produce.”

Ronan Kerr
City and Guild Level 3 Diploma in Professional Cookery

In the ‘Senior Duck Culinary Freestyle Class’, Dungannon student Dale Rodgers scooped up a Bronze award for his skill and creative flair. While Lucy Evans, a Level 3 Professional Cookery student from Dungannon, achieved a Bronze accolade in the ‘Junior Duck’ challenge.

Other winners from the Dungannon campus included Dean Mc Nally, who achieved a Bronze award in the ‘Senior Fish’ challenge and Carla Leadon, who was delighted to pick up a Certificate of Merit in the ‘Innovation Starter’ competition.

SWC hospitality and catering students also took on the challenge of working on the Street Food International Food truck with their Sustainable World Cuisine concept – ‘SWC shaping the chefs of the future.’ The team were awarded the bronze award for this unique and innovative challenge.

SWC hospitality and catering students were supported and prepared for the competition by Darren Pitts, Kevin Crossan, Leonardo Rodolpho and Jeanette Clingen.

Tanya Purvis, Deputy Head of Tourism Hospitality Hair and Beauty at SWC, said:

“IFEX is a prestigious platform for our students to showcase their industry level expertise. I am delighted to see the staff and students hard work acknowledged. These events challenge and stretch our students to ensure our local industry stay at forefront of delivering modern and innovative cuisine.”

Tanya Purvis

SWC offers a wide range of flexible courses from Level 2- 5 in hospitality, patisserie and confectionery, food and beverage, professional cookery, and culinary arts.

For more information or to apply for a course in Tourism, Hospitality and Catering at South West College, see below.

Catering and Hospitality courses -

City & Guilds Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Professional Cookery

Dungannon Enniskillen Omagh Further Education Catering & Hospitality Level 2 Part-Time

Are you an enthusiastic person who loves a challenge and likes to be in a busy, lively and people focused environment? A Professional Cookery Diploma may suit you if you have some basic skills or experience with food, or may just have a genuine interest in learning more about cooking as a career. This course will allow you to develop the practical, industry relevant skills which will equip you ...

View City & Guilds Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Professional Cookery

FDQ Level 2 Diploma in Professional Chef

Dungannon Enniskillen Omagh Apprenticeships Catering & Hospitality Level 2 Full-Time

Are you an enthusiastic person who loves a challenge and likes to be in a busy, lively and people focused environment? A Professional Chef Diploma may suit you if you have some basic skills or experience with food, or may just have a genuine interest in learning more about cooking as a career. This course will allow you to develop the practical, industry relevant skills which will equip you wit...

View FDQ Level 2 Diploma in Professional Chef

Foundation Degree in the Professional Practice of Culinary Arts (Validated by The Open University)

Dungannon Enniskillen Higher Education Catering & Hospitality Level 5 Full-Time Part-Time

This course throws open the kitchen door and explores the principles and practices of a modern 21st century kitchen environment. You will be taken on a journey which will better define your career options of the depth and scope of what the world of culinary arts has to offer. It will also prepare you for, or support you in, a leadership role. The course content will give practica...

View Foundation Degree in the Professional Practice of Culinary Arts (Validated by The Open University)

FDQ Level 3 Diploma in Professional Chef

Dungannon Enniskillen Omagh Further Education Catering & Hospitality Level 3 Full-Time

If you are keen to make your mark in the world of culinary excellence, then a Level 3 Professional Chef Diploma is a must in order to demonstrate skill and commitment to this industry. The programme builds on a sound understanding of cooking and commodities and moves you to a higher repertoire of complex dishes and technical ability, increasing your knowledge of advanced tools and techniques. H...

View FDQ Level 3 Diploma in Professional Chef

OCN NI Level 2 Diploma for the Hospitality and Tourism Team Member - Traineeship/Apprenticeship

Dungannon Enniskillen Omagh Apprenticeships Catering & Hospitality Level 2 Full-Time

This exciting new course has been designed by Hospitality and Tourism employers to allow learners to sample across a wide range of roles in the sector. It has a strong emphasis on the ‘soft skill’ development needed in the world of work. Learners will not only develop practical skills enabling them to access the workplace immediately, but the course will also help them make informed decisions a...

View OCN NI Level 2 Diploma for the Hospitality and Tourism Team Member - Traineeship/Apprenticeship

City & Guilds Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Hospitality Supervision and Leadership

Omagh Further Education Catering & Hospitality Level 3 Full-Time

Do you love working with people who want to deliver outstanding customer experiences and do you want to lead a team of people to be the best they can be? How would you like a great career in one of the most interesting and dynamic industries in the world. The driving force behind great hospitality is great hospitality management and the industry needs the right people to lead teams and individuals...

View City & Guilds Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Hospitality Supervision and Leadership

OCN NI Level 2 Award in Barista Skills

Dungannon Further Education Catering & Hospitality Level 2 Part-Time

This qualification provides learners with specialist skills and knowledge in one of the major growth areas of the hospitality industry – the beverage sector. The unit is aimed at all first line operatives where coffee is served – this includes coffee bars, coffee houses, cafes, hotels and restaurants.

View OCN NI Level 2 Award in Barista Skills

City & Guilds Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Professional Cookery Fast Track

Dungannon Enniskillen Omagh Further Education Catering & Hospitality Level 3 Part-Time

This course is an intensive one year, part-time, will suit you if you have worked in a professional kitchen for some time, or have a Level 2 qualification. Your work might involve supervising others. You want to develop your skills further, perhaps to become a specialist chef or move into a management role. It is designed to equip you with the knowledge, understanding and skills required for succe...

View City & Guilds Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Professional Cookery Fast Track

City & Guilds Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Professional Cookery

Enniskillen Further Education Catering & Hospitality Level 3 Part-Time

If you are keen to make your mark in the world of culinary excellence, then a Level 3 Professional Cookery Diploma is a must in order to demonstrate skill and commitment to this industry. The programme builds on a sound understanding of cooking and commodities and moves you to a higher repertoire of complex dishes and technical ability, increasing your knowledge of advanced tools and techniques...

View City & Guilds Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Professional Cookery

City & Guilds Level 3 Certificate in General Patisserie and Confectionary

Enniskillen Further Education Catering & Hospitality Level 3 Part-Time

This qualification will help you to develop your skills further, perhaps to become a specialist chef or move into a management role. It is designed to equip you with the knowledge, understanding and skills required for success in higher education and/or employment in this globally and economically important sector.

View City & Guilds Level 3 Certificate in General Patisserie and Confectionary

City & Guilds Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Professional Cookery Fast Track

Dungannon Enniskillen Omagh Further Education Catering & Hospitality Level 2 Part-Time

This diploma will suit you if you have some basic skills and experience as a chef, probably from a role where you work under supervision. You may want to gain a formal qualification and increase your skills so that you can take on a more senior role.

View City & Guilds Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Professional Cookery Fast Track

City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate in Professional Food and Beverage Service Skills

Dungannon Enniskillen Omagh Further Education Catering & Hospitality Level 2 Part-Time

This qualification meets the needs of learners who want to work front of house within a hospitality environment. It is also for those learners that want a rounded knowledge of both front of house and the kitchen, which will enable them to look at more senior positions in the future. The qualification covers all aspects of food and beverage service. It will deliver the key skills required by the le...

View City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate in Professional Food and Beverage Service Skills

City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate in General Patisserie and Confectionary

Dungannon Enniskillen Omagh Further Education Catering & Hospitality Level 2 Part-Time

Has television reality shows got your attention? These qualifications cover all the patisserie and confectionery skills and knowledge to show you've got what it takes for a successful career as a pastry chef. Ideal for those looking to become professional pastry chefs or for those wanting to progress in their careers, for individuals who enjoy this area of cookery as a hobby and for those employee...

View City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate in General Patisserie and Confectionary

Catering and Hospitality