*Video* SERC Lecturer Scoops Institute of Hospitality Award

A SERC lecturer has won a prestigious Institute of Hospitality (IOH) Northern Ireland Award 2025, presented at a gala award ceremony last week at the Culloden Estate & Spa.

Chef Lecturer, Thomas Turley, based at SERC Downpatrick Campus, won the Lecturer of the Year Award, sponsored by CADRE Coffee, beating off competition from Southern Regional College and Ulster University. The IOH Awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of individuals to their place of work and the sector. T

Thomas, who lecturers on programmes ranging from Level 2 Traineeship to Foundation Degree, joined SERC in 2018. He brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the college having previously worked for culinary heavyweights Michael Deane and Paul Rankin and gained international experience in Australia, Finland, the Netherlands and the USA.  Students under his tutelage have gone on to work for Tom Kerridge and Gordon Ramsay.

Speaking about the Award, Thomas said, “I am absolutely delighted to be recognised with this award from the IOH for Lecturer of the Year.

“It is a real honour to work with the students each year and I love to see their knowledge, skills and confidence grow as they progress through their courses and move on to further studies or roles in the hospitality sector. 

“So many people, past students, colleagues, and people I have worked with over the years, have got in touch with me this past week to say congratulations which has been really special.”  

Thomas added, “I am part of a great team at SERC - from fellow lecturers and technicians to facilities management and all college support teams. Outside the college, I have great support from individuals and business across the sector who take on students, host visits or come into the college to share their expertise with a masterclass. I am thrilled to get the award, but am very happy to say the recognition is also about all the students and people who help me in my role as Chef Lecturer at SERC.”

Student, Bronagh Beattie, (Ardglass), who has recently graduated with a Higher Level Apprenticeship in Culinary Arts from SERC, was also shortlisted for an IOH Student Management Potential Award. Bronagh is employed as a Product Specialist for Bakery with Sysco Foods.

Congratulations Thomas, from everyone at SERC.

Main pic: Aaron Logan, Chair, Institute of Hospitality Northern Ireland, Lecturer of the Year, Thomas Turley, SERC and James Price, Cadre Coffee, who sponsored the award.

Pic 2, Thomas is announced winner; and Pic 3, Celebrating in good company with colleagues and friends at the Awards Ceremony.