Ballymena based NI Hospitality School doubles graduate numbers as private sector support surges

Graduates of the Northern Ireland Hospitality School have doubled within the last year as support from the private sector also almost doubles. Pictured during the School’s graduation ceremony at Galgorm Resort are, from left, Djann Balmes, a former Bar Academy graduate who now manages the Conservatory and Gin Library at Galgorm Resort, Ashley Douglas, Northern Ireland Hospitality School Director of Operations and Brenda McGale, Britvic Ireland. 

The Northern Ireland Hospitality School has announced a major milestone, doubling its number of graduates within the past year and significantly expanding private sector backing as it positions itself as a leading skills hub for the region’s fast-growing hospitality industry.

According to newly released figures, the School has increased graduate numbers from 36 in 2024 to 71 in 2025, with all 2025 graduates progressing into employment within local hotels or continuing their education.

The School has also secured seven new private sector funders, almost doubling its external support over the past 12 months.

The School, established in 2021 and originally funded by The Gallaher Trust, is a collaboration between three Ballymena hotels — Galgorm Resort, Tullyglass House Hotel and the Adair Arms Hotel — with courses delivered by Northern Regional College.

It was created to address a sector-wide challenge: recruiting and retaining highly skilled hospitality staff.

Growing academies and expanding regional reach

Pictured at the Northern Ireland Hospitality School graduation ceremony at Galgorm Resort are, from left, Michael Lappin, Henderson Foodservice, Aaron Finlay, Executive Chef at Galgorm Resort, Djann Balmes, a former Bar Academy graduate and manager of the Conservatory and Gin Library at Galgorm Resort, Ashley Douglas, Northern Ireland Hospitality School Director of Operations, Leah Robb, Restaurant Academy Tutor, Katie Young, a graduate of the Restaurant Academy and Savannah Daye, a graduate of the Chef Academy. 

Since opening its doors, the Northern Ireland Hospitality School has delivered training through several specialist academies in bar service, restaurant service and chef development.

A total of 230 students have now graduated, including 128 from the bar academy, 94 from the restaurant academy, and 11 trained chefs, three of whom completed their studies this year.

The School has confirmed plans to widen its reach by bringing more hotel partners on board in the Mid and East Antrim area, with a long-term ambition to expand across Northern Ireland.

Ashley Douglas, Director of Operations, said the School’s success was rooted in delivering internationally recognised training.

“Quite simply our mission is to deliver world-class training to our students that we can eventually expand beyond the realms of Ballymena to additional locations within the Mid and East Antrim Council area and eventually across Northern Ireland.

“Thanks to the support of our funders and partners we are successfully delivering international training from a number of alcoholic and non-alcoholic companies including Irish vodka brand, iStil38, French liqueur house, Giffards and the Real Fruit Company, based in the US, alongside catering providers that are championing innovation in the kitchen, spearheading the latest technologies.

Celebrating the success of the Northern Ireland Hospitality School and its graduates are, from left, Ashley Douglas, Director of Operations at the School, Aaron Finlay, Executive Chef at Galgorm Resort and Djann Balmes, a former graduate and manager of the Conservatory and Gin Library at Galgorm Resort. 

“Access to this expertise, coupled with our tutors’ extensive industry experience, equips our graduates with up-to-date practical knowledge of the latest techniques, trends and innovations that will enable them to thrive in a sector that’s constantly developing.

“However, securing additional private sector investment is about so much more than just funding. It’s about leveraging our partners’ unique knowledge of the industry to inspire our participants while enhancing their skills, equipping them for a long-term career within the hospitality sector.”

Driving economic growth for Ballymena and beyond

Chairman Eddie McKeever highlighted the School’s contribution to strengthening the local economy by developing a highly skilled workforce.

“Over the years, we have delivered tangible results that have given other businesses in the hospitality sector the confidence to support our efforts, which will help to secure the future of the sector, and make a real difference to the Ballymena economy,” he said.

He added that the School aims to lead by example across the region.

“Our ultimate goal is to firmly establish the Northern Ireland Hospitality School as a centre of excellence for training and a blueprint that can be rolled out across the region to help alleviate the challenge of recruiting talented staff.

“We’re delighted with what we’ve achieved so far and are immensely proud of our graduates who no doubt will enjoy fulfilling careers in the hospitality sector.”

Success stories: graduates moving into leadership roles

Pictured are representatives from some of the private sector businesses that are supporting the Northern Ireland Hospitality School, alongside Ashley Douglas, centre, Director of Operations at the School, during the graduation ceremony at Galgorm Resort. 

The School reports strong career progression outcomes, with four graduates now working in supervisor roles and three promoted to bar manager positions.

Among them is Djann Balmes, who completed the bar academy in 2021 and now manages the Conservatory and Gin Library at Galgorm Resort. He described the course as “invaluable”.

“I can honestly say that signing up to the Northern Ireland Hospitality School was one of the best decisions I ever made,” Djann said.

“Learning from tutors who have been working in the industry for many years, alongside gaining the latest insights from training with some of the industry’s biggest drinks brands, has given me the skills, knowledge and confidence to thrive in every stage of my career.

“I’m really enjoying my role and having the ability to make each guest’s experience memorable is something I find really rewarding.”

A growing list of supporters

The expanding list of funders includes:

Britvic Ireland, Proximo Spirits, Edward Dillon, Ewings Seafood, MCM Spirits, iStil38, Tenants NI, Anzac, Diageo, Farmview Dairies, La Rousse Foods, Richmond Marketing, Outwalker, Drinksology, Kirker Greer, Lisdergan Butchery, Henderson Foodservice, Stephens Catering, and Galgorm Group.

For further information on the Northern Ireland Hospitality School and its academies, readers can visit the School’s official website.