Monday 30 January 2012
Ryan Resorts to Sandals
Former Forth Valley College Hospitality student Ryan Davidson will jet off for a year on the paradise island of St Lucia this week (Thursday 2 February) on an internship at the exclusive Sandals resort.
Ryan (24) from Cambusbarron, Stirling, completed his HND in Hospitality Management at the Falkirk Campus in 2009. He had been working at the Westport Hotel in Linlithgow as an assistant bar manager before applying for his new role.
The talented front of house worker – who has ambitions to become a hotel general manager - has his mum and dad to thank for pointing him in the right direction. Both had enjoyed two recent holidays at the Caribbean resort and it was while on a return break to St Lucia that they discovered Sandals were recruiting new employees.
Ryan, said: “It all came about by chance really as my parents had enjoyed a couple of holidays out there and on their return from the latest one they told me Sandals were recruiting interns.
“I did not hesitate in applying and then was invited to have a phone interview which went really well and I was offered the 12 month internship!”
“It is the opportunity of a lifetime for me and I will be spending the first three months learning practical aspects of the role and finding out all about the resort. The next nine months after that will be focussing on how to manage at the fantastic five star Grand Hotel in St Lucia.
“I really can’t wait to get started and even if I don’t manage to get a job at Sandals the end of it, I will be more than prepared to apply for jobs at the top hotels back in the UK.
“I must say that I won’t miss the weather here at the moment and the sun shines out there for most of the year so I am really looking forward to it. Another aspect that really appeals to me is getting involved in the Sandals Foundation which encourages guests and staff to get involved in helping the local community on the island, so I will certainly be very busy when I am there.
“Forth Valley College certainly gave me the background knowledge of the hospitality industry and what I learned there has really given me an excellent foundation to apply for opportunities such as this. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending anyone interested in working in hospitality to look at the courses FVC has to offer.”
Aiveen McAllister Curriculum Quality Leader (CQL) within FVC’s Department of Hospitality and Salon Services, said: “We are all delighted for Ryan and what an opportunity he has. The exclusive Sandals resorts have an excellent reputation for quality and professionalism and he will be trained to provide the best service possible.
“However, it comes as no surprise to us as Ryan was a top student and we could see he’d go on to great things if he applied himself and he certainly has. I hope he keeps in touch and lets us know how he is getting on as I am sure he will inspire our other students.”
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