Algarvian Gonçalo Silva, a former student at the Portimão School of Hotel and Tourism (EHTP), was considered the best student in the course he has just completed at the French school Le Cordon Bleu, in Paris.
The young man from Lagos attended the Cooking and Pastry Technician course at EHTP between 2016 and 2019, having been, over the three years, considered a worthy student.
“After graduation, which gave him the equivalent of 12th grade, he decided to continue his studies in search of new learning. He chose the prestigious French school Le Cordon Bleu, in Paris, and ended his training last March, with the distinction of Major Promotion. This distinction is awarded to the best student in the course, taking into account criteria such as the results obtained, the path taken by the student in the institution and their demonstrated skills", according to the School of Hotel and Tourism of Portimão, which went public to praise the achievement of your alumni.
«The three years of his school career at the Portimão School of Hotel and Tourism were crucial, as this institution provided him with a unique training, which was decisive for his personal and professional growth. The internships, the numerous services provided by the school, promoted in partnership with various entities, as well as the inter-school competitions, provided him and his colleagues with valuable tools to be well-prepared professionals in the future, with different skills and experiences", he believes to EHTP.
For Gonçalo Silva, the fact that the Portimão School of Hotel and Tourism is a relatively small educational establishment, «helps to build a very close relationship between teachers, students and management. They were all very available and helpful and this made it possible to build very strong bonds. It was at the School of Hotel and Tourism in Portimão that it all started».
Pedro Moreira, director of the institution, reinforces the idea, stating that «the small size of the School of Hotel and Tourism of Portimão allows the existence of close and permanent contact between all elements of the school community and increases the spirit of solidarity within the institution. It is in this sense that both the teaching staff and the direction nurture a sense of responsibility for the well-being of each student. It is for them that the School exists and, as a mission, to guarantee the success of future citizens and professionals in the area of Tourism».
It was, moreover, with the help of the EHTP that "he started a process of research on where he could pursue his studies".
This gave rise to the possibility of going to Paris to study at the prestigious Le Cordon Blue School which, according to Gonçalo Silva, was the «perfect balance, as he would have an excellent training in a multicultural environment and integration in the country/language would be easier».
At Le Cordon Blue, the young Algarvian shared “with splendidly qualified trainers, of various age groups and nationalities, which provided a diverse and opulent learning experience”, according to the Algarve school.
«The demand and rigor demanded by the trainers were high, encouraging him to “always want to do more and better”. It has modern facilities with all the necessary conditions for superior learning», describes the EHTP.
Studying at this school “has also given him the opportunity to share with colleagues of different nationalities what has proved to be very enriching in terms of sharing knowledge, experiences and cultures/traditions”.
At the end of the training, «his effort, commitment and dedication» earned him the Major Promotion diploma, a distinction that made Gonçalo feel «a unique happiness and immense pride».
Over the next few months, the young Algarvian will undertake two internships: the first, of two months at Chef Laurent Duchene's Atelier, and the second, of four months at Chef Yann Couvreur's Atelier.
«In the future, Gonçalo intends to continue living in France, in order to acquire more skills and explore the vast area of French pastry, however, he does not discard the idea of working in other countries and one day returning to Portugal», concluded the Hotel and Tourism School of Portimão.
Photos: Portimão School of Hospitality and Tourism
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