School of Hospitality and Tourism - News




SAIT School of Hospitality and Tourism Professional Cooking student Ian McDougall was awarded a gold medal in Culinary Arts at the Skills Canada National competition

In the national competition, 500 high school and post-secondary competitors from all provinces and territories vied for honours in more than 40 skilled trade and technology categories.

MacDougall: A Skills Veteran

MacDougall, 19, is no stranger to Skills competitions. He entered his first in Grade 11 at Bowness High School and has scooped up medals at all eight Skills events – regional, provincial and national – where he has competed.

At nationals, MacDougall’s award-winning dishes included a main course featuring Guinea fowl, a dessert starring English toffee, a trio of canapés (vegetarian, cheese, scallops) and a brunch dish with quail eggs and smoked salmon.

MacDougall especially credits the coaching/management skills of SAIT chef-instructors Georg Windisch, Kat Mori and Desmond Johnston for contributing to his success. “But really, every single person I know who wears a chef’s jacket and apron helped me.”

MacDougall graduated from the Professional Cooking program in May and has passed the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal exam. He’s pursuing his passion at Mission Hill Winery’s renowned Terrace Restaurant in Kelowna, BC.