Jobs, qualifications and new businesses created through Mid and East Antrim hospitality programme

Hayley Barr LMP, Denise Mayo LMP, Paul Truscott GM Harbourview Hotel, Kelli McRoberts, Annie McSparron, and Jacqueline Dickson

A hospitality programme delivered in Mid and East Antrim has helped local residents secure jobs, gain recognised qualifications and take their first steps towards launching businesses of their own.

The latest Hospitality Taster Programme, delivered by Carrickfergus Enterprise in partnership with Mid and East Antrim Labour Market Partnership and Clanmil Housing Association, exceeded its original targets and created new pathways into work within one of the borough’s key growth sectors.

Supported through the Department for Communities’ Employability NI initiative, the programme was designed to help people who were economically inactive, long-term unemployed, under-employed or looking to rebuild confidence and skills before returning to work.

Jobs, qualifications and business opportunities created

The results underline both the demand for local employability support and the opportunities that continue to exist within the hospitality and tourism industries across Mid and East Antrim.

A total of 13 local people enrolled on the programme, with 10 successfully completing the initiative and every participant who finished reporting satisfaction with their experience.

Collectively, participants achieved 26 accredited qualifications — comfortably exceeding the programme’s original target.

Among the qualifications secured were Emergency First Aid at Work, WorldHost, Food Safety and Powerboat Licence certification.

Participants also completed additional skills development courses in Barista Training, Customer Care and Deaf Awareness, helping them develop practical workplace skills and greater confidence in customer-facing roles.

Strong employment outcomes across the borough

The programme also produced significant employment outcomes.

Eleven participants completed one or more work tasters during the initiative, giving local employers an opportunity to meet and assess potential recruits while allowing participants to experience the realities of working in the hospitality sector.

Of the 10 participants who completed the programme:

• Four have already moved into full-time employment or self-employment.

• Three have secured part-time jobs.

• Two are now preparing to establish their own businesses or pursue self-employment later this year.

• One participant is receiving support to return to employment following a prolonged period outside the labour market.

The figures highlight the impact targeted employability initiatives can have in addressing local labour shortages while supporting residents to re-enter the workforce.

‘The outcomes speak for themselves’

Kelli Roberts, Chief Executive of Carrickfergus Enterprise, said the programme had delivered results that extended far beyond its original targets.

“The outcomes from this programme speak for themselves. We have not only exceeded the targets set at the outset, but more importantly we have helped people gain real qualifications, build confidence and take meaningful steps towards employment, self-employment and new opportunities within the hospitality sector.

“This is exactly the kind of intervention that can make a difference, both for the individual and for the wider local economy.

“Hospitality and tourism remain important sectors for Mid and East Antrim, and creating a pipeline of skilled, motivated people who are ready to work, retrain or start something of their own is vital to supporting future growth.”

She said the programme had created opportunities for people at very different stages of their employment journey.

“For some participants, this programme has led directly to jobs. For others, it has provided the confidence and practical support to consider self-employment or return to work after time away from the labour market.

“As Carrickfergus Enterprise prepares to mark 45 years of supporting local people and businesses, this programme is a powerful reminder of the role we continue to play in creating opportunity, backing ambition and helping communities thrive.”

Supporting a growing local sector

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Thomas Gordon, said the programme demonstrated the value of local organisations working together to support residents and employers alike.

“This programme is a strong example of what can be achieved when local partners work together to support people into employment, training and new opportunities.

“Hospitality and tourism are important sectors within Mid and East Antrim, and it is encouraging to see local residents gaining qualifications, building confidence and taking practical steps towards work, self-employment and future careers.”

He added that the success of the initiative highlighted the wider value of Labour Market Partnership programmes in responding to local economic needs.

“The success of this programme highlights the value of Labour Market Partnership initiatives in addressing local needs and creating positive outcomes for individuals, employers and the wider economy.”

Building confidence and opening doors

Alongside accredited training and mentoring, participants took part in industry visits and employer engagement opportunities designed to provide first-hand experience of working in hospitality.

Work tasters formed a key element of the programme, helping participants understand the day-to-day realities of the sector while creating valuable links with local employers.

Carrickfergus Enterprise has delivered a number of employability and skills programmes across the borough in recent years, including Tourism Academies in both 2024 and 2025.

As the organisation prepares to celebrate its 45th anniversary, the success of the Hospitality Taster Programme provides another example of how targeted local initiatives can help residents build confidence, gain qualifications and access new employment opportunities while supporting businesses and strengthening the wider local economy.