Serena Franchini, Perth College UHI Apprentice of the Year Award 2019 - Joint winner

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Serena came to the UK in 2002 from her home in Italy. After working in London and Aberdeen, she gained employment at St Andrews Links, the company that looks after the golf courses in St Andrews, including the Old Course.

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In her early thirties, Serena had lots of industry experience and to enhance her knowledge, enrolled onto Perth College UHI’s Modern Apprentice (MA) Food and Beverage Service in May 2015.

Demonstrating a high level of commitment and dedication to her qualification and work, Serena’s aim was to develop her confidence and keep on learning. Work-based learning proved to be the perfect solution, providing the opportunity to continue working and earning whilst gaining her funded qualification. Without this flexibility, it would not have been possible for her to do so.

Her employer was keen to see her develop and progress and could see her potential. Her work colleagues summed her up as a lovely person who is great to work with and always tries her very best, demonstrating high standards of employability and excellent customer service.

Serena’s Perth College UHI assessor was very impressed at Serena’s high level work ethic and dedication to her qualification. She progressed onto MA Hospitality Supervision and Leadership.

A high skill level in flexibility, communications, organisation, problem solving, interpersonal skills and teamwork, enhanced with excellent customer care with the added quality of commercial awareness made Serena an ideal Modern Apprentice candidate.  Nearing completion of her qualification, Serena applied for the position of Restaurant Supervisor at the Castle Course Clubhouse. Serena was successful in securing the position and has been confidently and efficiently running the restaurant.

Serena is a motivational success story who is dedicated to the hospitality industry and enhancing her career.

Serena said: “The course has certainly given me a good base to do the supervisory job well and to the best of my abilities.”