A FORMER catering student has landed a job at one of the UK’s most luxurious five star hotels after impressing with his culinary skills.

Robert Carney, 19, had set his sights on a career in the kitchen since being a youngster and tutors at St Helens College encouraged him to apply for one of the industry’s most prestigious and advanced programmes, namely the Ecole Nationale Superieure de Patisserie in France.

The former De La Salle pupil set off in October 2013 on the six month course aimed at improving students’ pastry skills and providing them with an international two-month work placement.

For 30 years the course has been a fast track on a career in the baking and pastry industries.

He went on to do a two-month work placement at the Gleneagles Hotel, where he refined his techniques and impressed bosses so much they offered him a job.

Established in 1924 it boasts four restaurants and is the only venue in Scotland with two Michelin stars.

Head of catering at the college Terry Lanvin said: “We are very proud of Robert. Our tutors identified his talent for pastry early on in his course and then worked with him, tailoring his qualifications and study.

“To secure a job at Gleneagles is no mean feat. Robert worked hard and showed real dedication to his craft. He is real proof that with passion, talent and the right mentoring you can really excel in the catering and hospitality industry.

“I’m sure this isn’t the last we will be hearing of Robert as his career develops.”