AN ASPIRING Tullibody hospitality professional has successfully completed her modern apprenticeship in a community first.

Erin Rennie, the very first modern apprentice working with Tullibody Community Development Trust, has been successful in her training in catering and hospitality, completing all SVQ modules in Hospitality Services at SCQF Level 5.

She has also successfully passed the Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene for Catering Course.

Erin was only 16 when she started her apprenticeship at the community-owned and run Tullibody Civic Centre.

Not only has she gained skills and knowledge since then, she has also grown in confidence and ability, according to her supervisors.

Erin has been trained under the experienced hands of cafe supervisor Andrea McLaren and is now able to carry out a range of tasks including food preparation, cooking and baking and serving customers at the community café.

Janette McGowan, chairperson at Tullibody Community Development Trust, said: “We are so proud of Erin’s achievement and how hard she has worked.

“This is not only a success for Erin and her own development but also fulfils one of our key visions in supporting young people and creating employment opportunities within our community.

“We hope to be able to create further apprenticeships and jobs here at our centre going forward.”

The trust has been so delighted with Erin's progress and contribution to the café and centre, she will soon commence her new post as café junior.

She will continue to develop her skills and abilities in that role.

The Tullibody community organisation issued a nod of thanks to the Coalfields Regeneration Trust for the grant received which enabled it to employ its first modern apprentice as well as to XL Training (Scotland) for training and assessment resources.

The community café at the centre offers freshly made food and baking and is open from Wednesday to Friday between 11am and 2pm – eat in or order for takeaway.