Hospitality students pick up prestigious scholarships

Hospitality students Jacob Van Silfhout and Tim Day are looking forward to the upcoming School of Business graduation ceremony after finishing up the academic year on a high note.
The duo were thrilled to each pick up a $5,500 scholarship with The City and Guilds of London Institute when they attended last Friday’s annual hospitality luncheon at the Polytechnic’s Atrium Restaurant.

Jacob was very happy with his decision to return to study in 2011, completing the Polytechnic’s Certificate in Hospitality Level 3 programme. “I’ve always wanted to be a chef and I finally got the chance to study what I love. It’s been a real hectic year but I’m totally rapt with my scholarship - it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me!”

The Hospitality department are affiliated members of The City and Guilds of London Institute. The institute’s aim is to enable people and organisations to develop skills they need for personal and economic growth. One way of achieving this goal is providing scholarships to deserving hospitality students.

Jacob and Tim are returning next year to complete the National Certificate in Hospitality Level 4 programme and their scholarship money will be a big help in assisting with course costs in 2012.

“I’ve loved my course this year,” says Jacob. I’m really looking forward to coming back next year. And, as if this year couldn’t get any better, I’ve just secured a job at Phil’s Place Restaurant in Tauranga over the summer holidays as well!”

Jacob and Tim have provided plenty of inspiration for their fellow hospitality students this year after picking up a plethora of prestigious awards throughout the year. Tim won a Bronze Medal at the New Zealand Culinary Fare Show in Auckland for his soup and beef dish and a Gold Medal at the Waikato Culinary Fare for his beef dish. Jacob won a Silver Medal for his Pork dish at the same event in Hamilton.

Hospitality Tutor, Lee Pearce is impressed with both men. “Both Jacob and Tim are very hard working; they’re well respected amongst their peers and really deserved their scholarships. We look forward to seeing more great things from them in 2012!”

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