Tom Jackson, catering student with Colin Gascoyne, Programme Area Manager for Hospitality and Catering at Stratford-upon-Avon College.

Tom Jackson, an Advanced Culinary Diploma student at Stratford-upon-Avon College has recently won a prestigious award sponsored by Aramark.

Lecturers at the college nominated Tom for the prize earlier this year based on his attendance and progression. He wins an all expenses paid trip to Philadelphia, USA in June. The prize is awarded by Aramark to a student every year at Stratford-upon-Avon College.

Colin Gascoyne, Programme Area Manager – Hospitality & Catering commented, “Tom has outstanding qualities and has shown professionalism and dedication to his chosen career. He thoroughly deserves this prize after all his hard work and determination over the last few years. We are very grateful to Aramark for this fantastic opportunity. It is not often that our students get to experience the catering industry in another country!”

Tom said, “I am passionate about my work and very proud that my efforts have been recognised by college lecturers. To receive this accolade is very exciting; it is something I will always cherish and I know it will help me in my future career.”

Tom has recently completed six weeks’ work experience at The Berkeley in Knightsbridge, London, a 5 star deluxe hotel. He has also been working at Mallory Court in Leamington Spa, a Michelin star restaurant.

Andrew Hudson, Regional Business Manager from Aramark commented, “Students are at the heart of everything we do. Our belief is to enhance their experience whilst at college making sure it’s a memorable one. Enhancing the experience and improving the social space within a college environment is key to us. Our further education proposition has been designed and created with students in mind offering ‘a place with a pulse’ that is in tune with the high street bringing a retail approach to college life.”

Aramark is a $12 billion plus world leader in professional services. Headquartered in Philadelphia, they have approximately 250,000 employees serving clients in 19 countries and have been operating in the UK since 1972.

For more information please contact Marketing on 01789 266245 or email marketing@stratford.ac.uk|.