Northern Regional College lecturer shortlisted for prestigious hospitality award

Northern Regional College lecturer, Colin Wright, who has been shortlisted for a prestigious hospitality award.

A Northern Regional College lecturer who is helping train the next generation of chefs has been shortlisted for one of Northern Ireland’s leading hospitality awards.

Professional Cookery Lecturer Colin Wright has been named a finalist for Lecturer of the Year at the 2026 Institute of Hospitality Northern Ireland Awards, recognising his work developing students’ culinary skills, confidence and readiness for careers in the industry.

Now in their 29th year, the awards celebrate people who have made an outstanding contribution to Northern Ireland’s hospitality, leisure and tourism sector.

Preparing students for professional kitchens

At Northern Regional College, Colin teaches culinary arts and hospitality skills, with an emphasis not only on practical ability but on the professionalism and confidence students need to progress within the industry.

His work also extends beyond day-to-day classroom teaching. Colin supports students preparing for regional culinary competitions, where they have opportunities to test their abilities under pressure, showcase their talent and experience some of the demands they can expect in a professional kitchen.

Speaking about being shortlisted, Colin said:

“I am delighted and very proud to be shortlisted for Lecturer of the Year, particularly alongside educators doing such important work across Northern Ireland’s hospitality sector.

“Teaching is about much more than developing technical skills in the kitchen. It is about helping students build confidence, professionalism and belief in what they can achieve.

“Seeing our students grow, take on new challenges and succeed is the most rewarding part of the role. This recognition also reflects the effort they bring to the kitchen every day and the support I receive from colleagues across Northern Regional College.”

The Lecturer of the Year Award recognises educators whose knowledge, passion and commitment are making a lasting impact on students while helping nurture the next generation of hospitality professionals.

‘Passion, knowledge and commitment’

Christine Brown, Curriculum Director at Northern Regional College, said Colin’s place among this year’s finalists was “richly deserved”.

She said:

“Colin’s nomination is richly deserved and reflects the passion, knowledge and commitment he brings to his teaching. He creates meaningful opportunities for students to develop their skills and creativity, learn from industry and perform under pressure, while ensuring they feel supported and encouraged throughout their studies.

“Staff such as Colin are central to our work in preparing learners for rewarding careers and meeting the evolving skills needs of the hospitality sector. On behalf of everyone at Northern Regional College, I congratulate Colin and wish him every success at the awards ceremony.”

Colin will now join fellow finalists from across Northern Ireland’s hospitality sector at the Institute of Hospitality Northern Ireland Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony, where the winners will be revealed at the Culloden Estate & Spa, Belfast, on Friday 11 September 2026.

For Colin and his students, the nomination puts the spotlight not simply on achievement in the classroom, but on the work being done to equip aspiring hospitality professionals with the skills and confidence to build their own careers in the industry.