Ten locals complete hospitality programme as skills drive targets exceeded across Mid and East Antrim

From left participant Jacqueline Dickson with Hayley Barr Labour Market Partnership, participant Denise Harris, Annie McSparron, CEO Kelli McRoberts, Denise Mayo Labour Market Partnership, Paul Truscott General Manager Harbourview Hotel

Ten people across Mid and East Antrim have completed a targeted hospitality training programme, collectively securing 24 accredited qualifications as efforts intensify to tackle unemployment and skills shortages in one of Northern Ireland’s fastest-growing sectors.

The latest Hospitality Taster Programme, delivered by Carrickfergus Enterprise in partnership with Mid and East Antrim Labour Market Partnership and Clanmil Housing Association, has not only met but exceeded its recruitment and qualification targets, with further certifications still underway.

Funded through the Department for Communities’ Employability NI initiative, the programme is designed to help people move into work by building practical skills, industry knowledge and confidence in a sector continuing to expand across the region.

Targeting unemployment and skills gaps

The initiative was developed to respond directly to persistent labour market challenges locally, including economic inactivity, long-term unemployment and a shortage of skilled workers within hospitality.

Participants were supported through a blend of accredited training, hands-on experience and personalised mentoring, aimed at helping them move into employment, self-employment or further training opportunities.

Core qualifications achieved included WorldHost Principles of Customer Care, Level 2 Food Safety and Level 3 Emergency First Aid at Work, alongside practical skills such as barista training.

Hayley Barr, Skills Officer ,LMP

Additional specialist courses remain ongoing, with some participants currently undertaking Powerboat Licence certification and Deaf Awareness training to further strengthen their employability.

Inside the industry: hands-on experience

A key part of the programme involved direct engagement with local employers, offering participants real-world insight into hospitality careers.

This included a visit to the Harbour View Hotel in Carnlough, where participants explored day-to-day hotel operations and heard from General Manager Paul Truscott about career pathways within the sector.

The visit also featured a cask sampling experience in the hotel’s whiskey warehouse, giving participants a practical introduction to blending and bottling small-batch Irish whiskey.

Alongside this, each participant received one-to-one mentoring and developed a personalised action plan to map out their next steps into employment or enterprise.

Part of a wider employment strategy

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

Labour Market Partnerships, funded by the Department for Communities, are designed to create targeted employment action plans at council level, bringing together employers and key stakeholders to address local workforce needs.

The Hospitality Taster Programme forms part of the Mid and East Antrim Labour Market Partnership’s 2025-2026 Action Plan, which prioritises reducing economic inactivity, supporting those who are long-term unemployed or under-employed, and strengthening skills in key growth sectors.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, said the borough’s hospitality sector plays a central role in the local economy and highlighted the importance of aligning training with employer demand.

“Our Labour Market Partnership continues to work with local industries to identify market needs and address them through targeted training programmes, academies and workshops. If you are considering a new career path or taking your first step into employment, we encourage you to get in touch with our team.”

Carrickfergus Enterprise Chief Executive Kelli Roberts said the programme reflects the untapped potential within local communities and the importance of practical, skills-focused training.

She added that by combining industry insight with tailored support, participants are being equipped to take meaningful steps towards employment or self-employment in a growing sector.

Growing sector, growing opportunity

Tourism and hospitality continue to expand year on year across Northern Ireland, creating increasing demand for skilled workers and opening up a wide range of career paths.

Programmes such as this are aimed at ensuring local people are positioned to benefit from that growth, while helping employers access a workforce with the skills and confidence needed to meet future demand.

With further certifications still in progress and participants continuing into additional training, the programme’s impact is expected to extend beyond initial outcomes as individuals move into work and contribute to the region’s economy.

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At a glance

• Ten participants completed the Hospitality Taster Programme

• 24 accredited qualifications achieved so far, with more in progress

• Programme exceeded recruitment and qualification targets

• Delivered by Carrickfergus Enterprise with LMP and Clanmil Housing

• Funded through Department for Communities Employability NI initiative

• Qualifications include customer care, food safety and first aid

• Participants received mentoring and personalised action plans

• Employer engagement included Harbour View Hotel visit in Carnlough

• Supports 2025-2026 Labour Market Partnership Action Plan priorities

• Aims to tackle unemployment and hospitality sector skills shortages