AN aspiring chef from Co Down has taken his first steps on the ladder of fine dining thanks to impressive exam results.
South Eastern Regional College student chef Ciaran Taggart from Castlewellan achieved an impressive five distinction stars in his level two Professional Cookery at the South Eastern Regional College and has secured a job at renowned Newcastle restaurant Vanilla.
Ciaran said: “I am over the moon that I got five distinction stars. After speaking with my tutor Michael Gillies he suggested sending off my CV and portfolio to Vanilla and I was invited for a trial which must have gone really well as I was offered a job as a chef.
“I was elated when I was offered the role. I feel privileged and am excited to be part of this once in a lifetime experience. I am hoping to be able to gain valuable experience working in a top restaurant and working under the tutelage of head chef Darren Ireland and his professional team.”
Vanilla head chef Darren Ireland explained: “We are passionate about finding and supporting young talent within the hospitality industry, giving them an opportunity into the industry.”
SERC Professional Cookery tutor Michael Gillies said: “I am extremely happy for Ciaran; he has worked really hard and deserves this excellent start to his career in hospitality. The experience Ciaran gains from Vanilla will stay with him for the rest of his professional career.
“I’m sure that he will do a brilliant job. Ciaran is a great example of how a student can embrace what professional cookery has to offer and directly benefit from it.”
Michael too is no stranger to success having walked away with a bronze medal at this year’s prestigious NI Chef of the Year event.
An aspiring chef from Co Down has taken his first steps on the ladder of fine dining thanks to impressive exam results
South Eastern Regional College student chef Ciaran Taggart from Castlewellan achieved an impressive five distinction stars in his level two Professional Cookery at the South Eastern Regional College and has secured a job at renowned Newcastle restaurant Vanilla.
Ciaran said: “I am over the moon that I got five distinction stars. After speaking with my tutor Michael Gillies he suggested sending off my CV and portfolio to Vanilla and I was invited for a trial which must have gone really well as I was offered a job as a chef
“I was elated when I was offered the role. I feel privileged and am excited to be part of this once in a lifetime experience. I am hoping to be able to gain valuable experience working in a top restaurant and working under the tutelage of head chef Darren Ireland and his professional team.”
Vanilla head chef Darren Ireland explained: “We are passionate about finding and supporting young talent within the hospitality industry, giving them an opportunity into the industry.”
SERC Professional Cookery tutor Michael Gillies said: “I am extremely happy for Ciaran; he has worked really hard and deserves this excellent start to his career in hospitality. The experience Ciaran gains from Vanilla will stay with him for the rest of his professional career.
“I’m sure that he will do a brilliant job. Ciaran is a great example of how a student can embrace what professional cookery has to offer and directly benefit from it.”
Michael too is no stranger to success having walked away with a bronze medal at this year’s prestigious NI Chef of the Year event.
