Alina Sile

• Age: 22 years

Competitor in Skill: Restaurant Service
Country: Ireland

How did you get interested in your skill?
Part of my studies in first year at Shannon College of Hotel Management was practical training at restaurant service. This is where I started to get interested in more detailed restaurant service. Working in the Ritz-Carlton, Wolfsburg strengthened my interest in exceptional restaurant service.

Where did you do your training for your skill?
Most days of my training I was based in Waterford Institute of Technology but I also gained experience by working in different restaurants and hotels such as Waterford Castle.

How did you first find out about your Member organization and its programs?
It was thankfully to my college – Shannon College of Hotel Management. This is where I was introduced to Ireland Skills.

Who influenced you to pursue your skill as a career?
It was my college lecturer Mr. Andrew Langford who motivated me mostly.

What is your experience in participating with your Member organization?
It has been amazing. I have great training circumstances and my trainer Mr. Ray Cullen is one of the most respectable and knowledgeable people I have ever meet.

Describe your most memorable moment so far with WorldSkills?
It was the moment when I was officially notified that I will be representing Ireland in Brazil. I could not be more proud.

Describe what your experience has been since your involvement with WorldSkills
It has been amazing experience so far. I have learned a lot new skills and strengthened the ones I already had. It is knowledge that I will never forget. I cannot wait to participate in the competition in August and represent Ireland.

Did participating in the skills competitions and training for WorldSkills help you progress in your skill? Please describe.
Every day I learn something new. Even if it is not an aspect of my skill, I learn something about myself. I strengthen my confidence and gain more experience.

What do you currently do? Where do you work?
I am currently doing full time training for competition. After that I still have my last year in college and final placement ahead of me.

What are your future career aspirations?
I would like to work in hotel industry as it is great opportunity to meet different cultures in one place. My dream is to work in a 5 star hotel in Ski resort.