Oxford Brookes students win Young Guns contest
Two Oxford Brookes University students have won this year's Young Guns, the competition which recognises hospitality students who have excelled in their placement period.
Amelieke Verwiel and Fiona Stewart have been named as the two students in the UK who displayed the most outstanding level of performance and learning throughout their year-long work placement.
Ten finalists, three of whom study at Oxford Brookes University's Department of Hospitality, Leisure and Tourism Management, were invited to a final judging lunch at Mosimann's Club in London on 12th March.
The judging panel this year included senior figures from businesses including Premier Foods, Malmaison and Hotel du Vin, Red Snapper Events and Leon's chain of organic restaurants.
This is the second consecutive year that Oxford Brookes has had three finalists in this prestigious competition – more than any other competitor university. The University's Department of Hospitality, Leisure and Tourism Management is recognised internationally for the outstanding quality of its teaching, research and consultancy.
This year it celebrates its 60th anniversary with a year-long programme of events which showcase its successes, connections with industry, and achievements of its students and alumni'.
Donald Sloan, head of department, commented: "I am extremely proud of our Young Guns winners, Amelieke Verwiel and Fiona Stewart. They are exemplary students who display a passion for working in the hospitality industry.
"We push our students to achieve outstanding academic results whilst also gaining valuable work experience – a balance that our Young Guns winners understand - it is this combination that make them so appealing to employers, after they graduate from Oxford Brookes."
Words: Maria Bracken
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