Louis Returns to SERC to Share his Culinary Journey

We love it when our students return to SERC, often to progress their qualifications, and sometimes to provide a little inspiration to current students.   Such was the case when Louis McClelland paid a visit to Downpatrick Campus recently.

Louis (20), from Newcastle, successfully completed the Level 2 Traineeship in Professional Chef with SERC, and has secured employment at the very popular and award-winning Wackoz.  The eatery serves street food, brunch and coffee and is situated just outside Downpatrick on the Belfast Road.

Louis said, “I love working at Wackoz, so it was great to come back to the college to meet current students and let them know a little bit about my journey and the kinds of things I am doing in my new job.” 

Louis left school after his GCSEs at Shimna College. He said, “I didn’t have a clue what I wanted to do.   I wasn’t doing anything following school and for a while didn’t have any direction.  

“My aunt studied at SERC’s Newcastle Campus, and she suggested I have a look at the college website to see if anything sparked my interest. Being a chef wasn’t anything I had ever considered before, but I had a look at the Level 2 Traineeship in Professional Chef, and then came along to an open day to find out more.   I met Lecturer Chef, Thomas Turley.   He asked me why I wanted to do the course, explained what I would be doing and took me on a tour of the kitchens.

“Chef Turley made all the difference that day which is why I enrolled on the course.   He encouraged me, enthused me and explained everything.

“The amount you learn on the course is amazing and you learn by doing, building your skills from day one.  It’s not just the cooking, but all the other skills such as communication and teamwork.  

“I loved learning about food, what ingredients work together, and the difference a splash of lemon juice or the addition of some herbs and spices can make to a dish.   It has helped me in my new job where I am learning all about street food.   We also do fantastic pastries and I am making them too.   In this line of work, the learning never stops.  Our menu at Wackoz is amazing, and I am not just saying that because I work there, you must come and try it!”

Whilst at SERC, Louis took part in several competitions including IFEX, where he won a silver medal competing against university students.   He also lifted first place for his main course in SERC’s annual Intercampus Professional Chef competition, and most recently was awarded Overall Trainee of the Year for Downpatrick Campus and Trainee of the Year for the School of Business, Health and Hospitality at the annual SERC Excellence Awards.

Louis concluded, “I love my work, it’s busy but there is a great team, and I am looking at combining the work with another course at SERC to progress my skills and qualifications.”