John Kilmurray
Hospitality & Catering
2024
My favourite aspect of my role is seeing learners who struggle to believe in themselves when they first begin their journey at LMC, but eventually realise that they are very capable. It is a lightbulb moment when they realise they can be or do anything they want to. Learners walk through our gates unsure of themselves and sometimes struggle to believe in their abilities, but by the end of their journey they walk out of LMC confident and ready to take on the world.
John began working as a Chef Lecturer at LMC in late 2024. However, his connection to the college started much earlier, having completed his Level 2 and Level 3 in Professional Cookery here many years ago. This background allows him to relate closely to our learners and understand their journey.
My favourite aspect of my role is seeing learners who struggle to believe in themselves when they first begin their journey at LMC, but eventually realise that they are very capable. It is a lightbulb moment when they realise they can be or do anything they want to. Learners walk through our gates unsure of themselves and sometimes struggle to believe in their abilities, but by the end of their journey they walk out of LMC confident and ready to take on the world.
John’s responsibilities are wide ranging, from delivering sessions to Level 1 and 2 learners who aspire to become future chefs to teaching adults how to cook, which can positively transform their lives and the lives of their families. One of the upcoming courses he will be teaching is The Afternoon Tea Tailored Learning. He believes that the ability to cook is a vital life skill, now more important than ever, as many people struggle to prepare meals at home due to busy lifestyles and a lack of practical knowledge to adapt to our changing society.
For anyone thinking about studying our course I would ask them why food is important and encourage them to explore food and its effect it has on our culture. As a chef you need to think deeply about food and why people enjoy certain dishes more than others. If you can begin to understand that food is more than just sustenance then you will go far as a chef.
John currently lives on the edge of the Lake District and often works in various hotels across the region, including some with Michelin stars. He does this to ensure his skills remain as relevant and up to date as possible. He believes this is essential for delivering courses that prepare learners for a fast-paced and ever-changing industry.
YOUR TUTOR(S)
The course gives people experiences of business in many forms which can be used in a huge variety of possible future careers – past students have gone on to work in sectors as diverse as fashion, charities, social media, nuclear energy, defence manufacturing and the public sector.
My favourite part of my role is helping students take the first step towards fulfilling their ambitions to go to university and, eventually, progress into their dream careers. Students often say that returning to education has given them more confidence in themselves, which makes me feel extremely proud.
I enjoy being part of the team and thinking of new ways to support local businesses in realising their potential. Watching learners transition from a one-day course to gaining qualifications motivates me to continue teaching at LMC.
I would say that Hospitality & Catering industry isn’t an easy option, but it can be really rewarding and enjoyable if you work hard at it. It also has excellent job prospects at the end of the course, as the majority of our completing students gain full time employment within high class establishments
I love working with my students and helping them to achieve their goals. It is extremely rewarding when students pass their exams, grasp a complex concept, and, ultimately, succeed in their qualification and in their careers.
We have a very knowledgeable and dedicated team from different areas of the animal industry. We offer a range of courses in Animal Studies at different levels to cater for a wide range of students. Practically, you will work with a range of animals on site, spend time in our laboratories and hone your skills further during independent work-related experience. Working with animals can be a fun and rewarding career but it does involve hard graft and dedication!
ALUMNI
Jennifer Thurston
Isobel Ritchie
Beccy Wheildon
Jessica Bolger
Stacey Sweeting
Barbara McInnis
LMC In the Spotlight
Lancaster & Morecambe College is reaccredited to the matrix Standard for high-quality CEIAG services
