A lecturer and a student from South Eastern Regional College have won awards at the Institute of Hospitality Awards 2026.

Friedrich Machala, a lecturer at SERC, was named Lecturer of the Year. Grace Dugan, a Higher Level Apprentice from Belfast who has completed a Foundation Degree in Culinary Arts, won the Student Management Potential Award.

Tom Idiculla from Craigavon, who recently completed a Foundation Degree in Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management at SERC, was also shortlisted for the Student Management Potential Award.

The awards are held annually and recognise achievements in the hospitality, leisure and tourism sectors. They are now in their 29th year.

Paul Mercer, Principal Lecturer and Commercial Hospitality Manager at SERC, said the recognition reflected the individual talent, commitment and professionalism of the winners, and the strength of hospitality education and training at the college.

SERC provides industry-focused education and professional development for Northern Ireland's hospitality sector.