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Hospitality degree student scoops top industry award

23/07/2020

A University of Wolverhampton student has scooped a top award from a leading UK hospitality industry body.

Katie Walker, 22 from Wednesfield, was named ITT Hospitality and Catering Student of the Year in the Future You Awards run by the Institute of Travel and Tourism (ITT).

Studying for a degree in International Hospitality Management with Sandwich Year in the University of Wolverhampton Business School, Katie was chosen as winner of the category by the ITT Education and Training Committee.

The ITT is the only professional membership body for individuals employed in the travel and tourism industry, one of the largest trade sectors in the UK.

Katie entered the award with help of lecturing staff in the Wolverhampton Business School and her impressive list of achievements helped to secure her the top accolade.

Katie started out as an Apprentice at the Grand Theatre in Wolverhampton focusing on Live Events and Promotion before becoming Supervisor in the Box Office and she also worked as Attractions Hostess on a three month placement for the Disney College Programme at Walt Disney World in Florida.

Her placement year at University was spent in Her Majesty the Queen’s Private Household working in the role of Footman, utilising an array of skills traditionally associated with that of a Butler but also attending ceremonial duties including Royal Ascot, State Visits and Trooping of the Colour, gaining insight into the workings of a private household.

Katie said: “My ITT Award experience has been an absolute whirlwind during a time that has been so unique and ever-changing for many people, but this has been a complete honour and I am extremely grateful to be recognised in this way.

“Throughout my time working in the industry and studying at the University of Wolverhampton, I have discovered so many things about how valuable hospitality can be in society and my hope is that this recognition helps me to further enhance the value I can offer the industry.”

Amanda Ross, Lecturer in Leisure Industries and Course Leader for International Hospitality Management, said: “We are so proud of Katie for achieving this award. It is a delight to see her hard work, commitment to her studies and her ability to spot and act on every single opportunity available to her, recognised by the ITT. Katie puts her full energy into everything she does, and always with a massive smile on her face - She is hospitality personified and thoroughly deserving of this award!

“I would also like to extend my thanks to ITT for the many enrichment activities we have been involved in together this year, particularly given the tumultuous situation the hospitality and tourism industries have found themselves in this year. We look forward to continuing to help our students to enhance their studies through these opportunities through further working in partnership in the future.”

Anyone applying for a course through Clearing can register their interest and arrange a phone call with the University on results day on Thursday 13th August or visit our next virtual Open Day on Saturday 15th August for more information. Alternatively call us on the Clearing Hotline on 01902 518585 or contact us through our Social Media channels:

Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

ENDS

For more information please contact the Corporate Communications Team.

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