Lorraine Small (Helen’s Bay), Jake Elliott (Lisburn), Anna Brown (Bangor) helping launch Belfast Met recruitment season.

Lorraine Small from Helen’s Bay has taken a career U Turn to study Professional Cookery at Belfast Met. The former dentist has decided to follow her dream of opening her own bespoke Bed and Breakfast and has enrolled on the course to help her achieve her goals.

Lorraine, a mature student, was on hand to help the college launch its recruitment season. She said: “I have always been passionate about cooking. After working as a dentist for years and raising my children I decided to bite the bullet and follow my dream. As well as cookery, the course teaches me about practical issues such as health and safety – everything I would need for running a successful B&B. I have gained valuable experience working at various events and in the college restaurant.

“The tutors, who have all worked in the industry are fantastic and have given me great insight. On top of that it’s a really great class and I have made some lovely friends. The course has brought me one step closer to my dream and I would recommend that anyone of any age gives the course a shot.”

Lorraine is pictured with Anna Brown (21) from Bangor has completed her Interactive Design Course at Belfast Met and returned to help the college launch its recruitment season. Anna has now secured employment in the industry as a result of her qualification and recommended it to those considering a similar route: “The study element was helpful as it was a great starting point for learning the basics that I could then develop on my placement. The placement element of the course really allowed me to get a feel for what it is like in a real working environment and learn things that have been invaluable to me in my early career.”

Also pictured is Jake Elliott from Lisburn.