Chris has the right recipe for success

A passion for the hospitality industry led Chris Driver to complete a foundation degree in Hospitality Management.

Chris, 27, of Elton village, Stockton, is Operations Manager at The Talbot, in Bishopton. The ambitious entrepreneur completed his studies part-time at Teesside University's higher education centre at Darlington College.

Alongside the foundation degree, Chris completed a NVQ Level 2 in Professional Cookery to broaden his understanding of the kitchen management.

He said: ‘As a family business, it is essential to be able to work in every aspect of the establishment in order to manage the 30 employee operation.

‘I’ve always had a passion for cooking and the course enabled me to officially put on my chef whites and work alongside talented chefs David Pattison and Richard Morland. The knowledge I have gained is priceless.’

Developing knowledge and skills for a successful career Reflecting on his foundation degree, Chris added: ‘The course is a general management qualification which helps development in a wide range of hospitality careers and provides an understanding of the key issues facing hospitality managers.

‘The course equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to develop a career in hospitality management at the highest level.’

Along with the vital knowledge Chris gained from the foundation degree, his future plans are to continue topping up his qualifications with further studies in professional cookery and management.

He said of Teesside University's £13m five-storey campus which is due to open this summer in Darlington: ‘It’s fantastic that Teesside has the facilities for budding students to further their education in the local area. To be able to study a vast range of courses on your doorstep is a credit to the North East.’

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