A Catering & Hospitality lecturer from Havant & South Downs College has won an ‘Inspirational Tutor’ award after being hailed a ‘shining example for the industry’.
Level 3 Craft Academy Programme Coordinator, Iain Baillie, was nominated for the award as part of the Institute of Hospitality Southern Branch’s ‘Student of the Year Awards 2018’.
Iain has worked at HSDC since 2001, and his hard work and enthusiasm have been recognised when he secured the accolade for ‘Inspirational Tutor’ on Thursday 19 April.
He was nominated by colleague Laura Skye. She said: “Iain has taught at the College for 17 years and remains as passionate about his teaching and students now as he did when he first started.
“He has excellent links with the catering industry and this has led to tremendous opportunities for students on placements and in career paths when finishing College.
“He regularly accompanies students to assist in their inductions of their placements in their spare time.”
Iain Baillie set up the Angela Hartnett Academy at HSDC in 2015. When students commence their Level 3 programme they are entered onto this programme and are supported by Angela and Iain through work placement opportunities, guest chef dinners, practical demos and trips.
Iain has also organised four gastronomic banquets between 2006 and 2015, giving students the chance to work alongside top chefs, including Heston Blumenthal, Tom Kerridge, Mark Hix, Marcus Wareing and Nathan Outlaw.
Laura added: “Iain is a very focused professional who is passionate about enthusing and stimulating low achievers to achieve their highest goals and making their aspirations and dreams become a reality.”
Alumni Henry Smith said: “Iain was always there to help you. He always pushed for students to have a better future and put his trust in students like me to help get us amazing jobs once we left College.
“My current head chef, Oscar Holgado, of Murano – Angela Hartnett’s Michelin starred restaurant – is also a former pupil of Iain’s from 10 years ago and I know he would say the same as I have about Iain!”
After finding out he had won the title ‘Inspirational Tutor’, Iain said: “My mind was overwhelmed after finding out I had won.
“To hear such lovely words from my colleagues and former students was huge for me.
“My goal has always been about getting students the best possible opportunities and teaching them the skills they need to be successful.”
For more information on Catering & Hospitality courses at HSDC, click here.