Jumpstart a career in hospitality and tourism

Patricia McPolin, Skills and Employability Manager, Enterprise, Employment & Regeneration, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council; Pamela Houston, Director of Cranfield Alpacas Visitor Experience; Sarah McAvoy MD Whistledown Hotel; NMDDC Chair Cllr Valerie Harte, Martin McMullan, Director Life Adventure.

Funded by the Department for Communities, Labour Market Partnerships create targeted employment action plans for council areas, allowing for collaboration at local and regional level to support people towards and into work.

The session, in the Whistledown Hotel on March 21st, was open to school leavers; job seekers; restarters and returners; local businesses; and those considering starting a new business in the sector.

Special guest speakers included Pamela Houston from Cranfield Alpaca Visitor Experience, Martin McMullan from Life Adventure Centre and Colum and Sarah McAvoy, Owner/Managers of the Whistledown Hotel and Bridge Bar.

Catherine McGinn, MAC PR chats to panellist during the event.

Opening the event, Newry Mourne and Down Council Chairperson Cllr Valerie Harte said: “We believe it’s critical for local job seekers to engage directly with businesses who are successful in their chosen sector, to learn, aspire and gain awareness of the range of career opportunities available locally, in addition to understanding the various pathways to access jobs.

“As a key growth sector, Hospitality and Tourism is undoubtedly an attractive career option for many, offering hugely varied opportunities, spanning accommodation, food service, events, visitor attractions, transport, marketing and accountancy - to name just a few.

“Newry Mourne and Down offers a unique landscape for visitors, with Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion easily accessible, Loughs and Waterways on our doorstep plus our award-winning visitor attractions & accommodation providers.

“These kind of events - coupled with Newry Mourne and Down Labour Market Partnership’s suite of ongoing programs - offer residents the best opportunity to access work and upskill for work, whilst promoting NMD as a great place to live and work”, Cllr Harte concluded.

Attendees from Kilmorey Arms Hotel, Kilkeel.

For more information on NMD Labour Market Partnership visit www.nndbusiness.org.

Pictured are: Patricia McPolin, Skills and Employability Manager, Enterprise, Employment & Regeneration, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council; Pamela Houston, Director of Cranfield Alpacas Visitor Experience; Sarah McAvoy MD Whistledown Hotel; NMDDC Chair Cllr Valerie Harte, Martin McMullan, Director Life Adventure.