Tourism NI Supports Springboard to Encourage Young People Into Hospitality Career

From L – R: Caitriona Lennox, Head of Northern Ireland at Springboard; Brooke McVeigh, student at Nendrum College in Comber; David Roberts, Director of Strategic Development at Tourism NI; Evie Magee, student at Nendrum College Comber.

Fully funded by Tourism NI, the programme includes a series of roadshows with 20 schools across Northern Ireland and this week visited Belfast.

Held on Tuesday 28th February in the Crowne Plaza, the event was attended by over 70 pupils in Year’s 10-14 from Mercy College, Nendrum College, Wallace High School and Cedar Lodge School who took part in a series of hands-on activities throughout the day to explore different aspects of a career in tourism and hospitality.

Post-event feedback showed that 93% of the students that attended said the roadshow had made them more aware of the career opportunities in the hospitality, leisure, and tourism industries, with 100% of teachers stating the roadshows had been successful in educating students about the industry and highlighting the industry’s career opportunities and pathways.

David Roberts, Director of Strategic Development at Tourism NI, said:

“Tourism and Hospitality offers our young people an exciting range of roles and opportunities – from front of house or chefs in our restaurants, to tour guides who bring to life our special places, to working in the festivals and events world and working in really special places and locations right across Northern Ireland. This is a sector that offers great career progression and training opportunities as well as working in an industry that’s fun and exciting.”

Caitriona Lennox, Head of Northern Ireland at the Springboard UK Charity, said:

“So far the events have been a huge success with young people learning more about what a career in hospitality, leisure and tourism can offer them. At the age when many young people will be making important decisions about their future, we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to show them the broad range of options open to them in the industry. The students have actively engaged in the workshops and we’re excited to take the event on the road across Northern Ireland.”

The next event will be held at the Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh on 2 March with further roadshows scheduled for the Everglades Hotel in Derry/Londonderry and the Lough Erne Resort in Enniskillen.

The first event, which took place at Ballygally Castle Hotel on 25 January, was successfully attended by over 70 teachers, careers advisors, and students.

Hospitality charity Springboard UK helps disadvantaged and unemployed people of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life to fall in love with hospitality, leisure, and tourism, and gain the skills, knowledge and experience needed to flourish in a lifelong career within these industries.