NSCG Student Shortlisted for Visit Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent Tourism Awards 2026
22 January 2026
A student from Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG) has been shortlisted for a prestigious regional accolade at the Visit Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent Tourism Awards 2026.
Slava Marynychenko, who studies Level 3 Diploma in Professional Cookery at Stafford College, has been nominated in the Rising Star category. The award recognises individuals at the very start of their careers who are already making a significant impression within the tourism and hospitality sector.
Slava was nominated jointly by his college subject lecturer and personal tutor, Tom Harrison, alongside his employer and head chef, George Lowe of Lowe’s on Carter Street, in recognition of his talent, work ethic and commitment to professional development.
Alongside his studies, Slava balances employment within the industry and has gained valuable experience in a number of prestigious settings. This includes stage experience at Michelin-starred restaurant Upstairs by Tom Shepherd, where he embraced the high standards and fast pace of fine dining.
Slava has also competed successfully in several high-profile culinary competitions. He secured second place at the Unox Combi Guru competition in Italy, before going on to be awarded Best Kitchen Team and an overall second-place finish at a British Culinary Federation event.
Tom Harrison, Curriculum Leader for Hospitality and Catering and Teaching and Learning Coach at NSCG, said: “Slava deserves the Rising Star Award nomination for showing the precision, creativity and discipline of a great chef. He is constantly growing, perfecting his craft and inspiring others through his passion and dedication. The team could not be prouder of him and what he has achieved since studying with us.”
The Visit Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent Tourism Awards 2026 Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony will take place in March 2026.