HIT Scholarships for two FVC Hospitality students

HIT Scotland Savoy Educational Trust have offered two Forth Valley College students scholarships in the coming weeks.

Bekka Mathers (20) a HND Hospitality Management student from Dunfermline has been offered a Student Customer Experience Scholarship at the AC and Dakota Hotels in Glasgow on 26 and 27 May and Violetta Smakouz (18) a HND Professional Cookery – Patisserie student from Grangemouth, will take up a Student Chef Scholarship with the Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy (EFDA), 7 Queen Street, Edinburgh, on 3 and 4 June.

HIT (Hospitality Industry Trust) Scotland, are a unique charity for the Scottish hospitality industry who believe in people; in their potential, in their expertise, and in their passion. For over three decades, the charity has played a unique role in shaping the future of the hospitality industry, creating opportunities that help individuals to grow – from those just starting their profession or looking to broaden their skills and experience, to senior leaders ready to take their impact further.

Their fully funded scholarships are about sparking ambition, building confidence, and broadening horizons.

Bekka will be part of a group of 13 hospitality students from colleges from all around Scotland, keen to work front of house in any aspect of hospitality.  The aim is to inspire and motivate them, to let them hear and learn from some big hospitality brands, and gain some knowledge and skills to help them in their future career in this industry. The Scholarship will be a mix of talks and tours of some luxury venues.

Violetta will be part of a group of 14 Professional Cookery students from colleges from all around Scotland. The first day will be consist of a professionally led demonstration showcasing a range of patisserie skills and techniques, complete with tasters. This will be complemented by a masterclass in fish filleting, cooking techniques, and plating skills.

The second day will see the group recreate selected dishes and techniques from the previous day, preparing their own lunch and crafting a patisserie showpiece worthy of a high-end shop window. Throughout both days, the students will gain valuable insights, practical skills, and expert tips from the team at EFDA. 

Bekka, who is moving on to Northumbria University to continue her studies after completing her HND at Forth Valley College, said: “I am excited about this Scholarship and both days will be a great learning experience for me. I am really looking forward to it.”

Paul Cunningham, FVC Curriculum Manager in the Department of Creative, Digital and Leisure Industries, said: “These scholarships are a fantastic achievement for Bekka and Violetta. They’ve shown real dedication to their courses and opportunities like this will help them continue to grow within the hospitality industry. We’re very proud of them both.”