Belfast Metropolitan College Catering student Ashley Williamson from East Belfast has been awarded the first ever La Mon Hotel and Country Club Scholarship. Ashley beat off competition from classmates David Glass and Claire Kelly to claim the scholarship package which includes an initial £300 to cover uniform, equipment and travel costs, a part-time position whilst he completes his studies, a further £300 on completion of the course and a full-time role at the La Mon Hotel and Country Club.

 Janeen Beverland, Deputy General Manager, La Mon Hotel and Country Club is impressed with Ashley’s contribution to the catering team to date:

 “We were delighted to offer Ashley the first La Mon Hotel and Country Club Scholarship, what particularly impressed us in the competition was his potential and passion. Ashley started working with us just before Christmas; this is the busiest period when looking after our valued customers is a tremendous team effort. We are confident that Ashley will make a great contribution to that team whilst he completes his studies.”

After passing an application round Ashley was one of three finalists to prepare a meal from a mystery bag of ingredients under the watchful eyes of La Mon’s Senior Chef Brian Donaldson. The taste test was then followed by an interview with Brian and the Hotel’s Deputy General Manager Janeen Beverland.

Chris Irwin, Catering Lecturer at Belfast Metropolitan College commented on the unique opportunity offered by La Mon Hotel and Country Club:

“This scholarship presents a fantastic opportunity for this committed and ambitious young chef to work in a vibrant local hotel to develop their skills, experience the range of catering styles La Mon offers and benefit from a chef mentor whilst working part- time. We are grateful for the investment the hotel has made in our young people and the Scholarship is a fine example of one of the many strong links the College has with local industry.”