Cork College of FET, Bishopstown Campus, recently celebrated the achievement graduates from its Leadership and Management programmes. Graduates achieved a QQI Level 6 Certificate in Supervisory Management, funded by the Skills to Advance initiative which provides subsidised upskilling for companies and those in employment.

The qualification was completed by a group of nine learners from FOTA Island Resort Hotel. Learners work across a variety of roles including Food and Beverage, Accommodation, Reservations, Events and Spa departments.

Graduating on the day were:

• Aoife Scanlon – Group Reservations Co-ordinator – Reservations
• Catherine McCormack – Supervisor – Accommodation
• Kayleigh Stromsoe – Room Checker – Accommodation
• Martina Krajincakova – Assistant Outlets Manager – Food and Beverage
• Roji Ninan Thomas – Assistant Outlets Manager – Food and Beverage
• Silvia Rodriguez – Lodge Accommodation Manager – Lodges
• Susan Fernandes – Spa Attendant Supervisor – Spa
• Anita Lazar – Spa Treatment Supervisor – Spa
• Roberta O’Keeffe – Wedding & Events Sales Co-ordinator – Events

The graduation ceremony was held on Friday 31st January in Cork College of FET, Bishopstown Campus. The ceremony was attended by the graduates, their family and friends and senior leaders of both Cork College of FET and the FOTA Hotel.

Speaking on the day Charlie Dineen HR Director from the Fota Collection (Fota Island Resort and the Kingsley Hotels) commended the 9 staff members from Fota Island Resort for their commitment to learning and reaffirmed Fota’s commitment to continuous life-long learning. The variety of Departments from which the students are drawn demonstrates the opportunities for all in who work in hospitality to advance their professional career in hospitality. Charlie thanked Cork College of FET with whom the Fota Collection have successfully partnered on many projects.

Speaking on the day, Valerie Cowman Manager Cork College of FET, Bishopstown Campus thanks FOTA for choosing to partner with Cork College of FET and praised the Hotel group for placing a high value on staff development saying:

“I would like to highlight the vision of the the management team of FOTA for placing a high value oin learning and staff development and taking the time to develop your team and to provide an upskilling opportunities”

She then congratulated the learners on their achievement saying:

“I want acknowledge the time and effort you have put into completing the programme. It takes courage to take on a programme of learning, especially the when working full time and balancing the demands of work, home and study. Congratulations to you all on your achievement”

She urged the group to continue in their learning journey saying:

“Learning is lifelong and in Cork College of FET, we pride ourselves on providing flexible options for upskilling while working and a pathway for every learner. This programme has put you on a path- keep going onto the next step”.