Graduation pictures: Jobs secured by graduates via NI Hospitality School to tackle skills development and employment deficit in sector

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The NI Hospitality School was established in 2021, following collaboration between three Ballymena-based hotels – Galgorm Resort, the Tullyglass House Hotel and the Adair Arms

A total of 36 individuals from the Ballymena area have graduated from the NI Hospitality School and secured full-time employment within local hotels.

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The NI Hospitality School was established in 2021, following collaboration between three Ballymena-based hotels – Galgorm Resort, the Tullyglass House Hotel and the Adair Arms.

With courses delivered by Northern Regional College and South Eastern Regional College, the school was set up to provide opportunities for skills development and to address the challenges of recruiting staff.

Pictured are graduates from the food service academy at the NI Hospitality School, with representatives from the academy funders and Leah Robb, food service academy lecturerPictured are graduates from the food service academy at the NI Hospitality School, with representatives from the academy funders and Leah Robb, food service academy lecturer
Pictured are graduates from the food service academy at the NI Hospitality School, with representatives from the academy funders and Leah Robb, food service academy lecturer

Initially funded by independent charity, The Gallaher Trust, the NI Hospitality School has attracted private sector funding from several high-profile organisations including Henderson Foodservice, Bushmills Distillery and Britvic Ireland.

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Eddie McKeever, managing director of McKeever Hotel Group and chairman of the NI Hospitality School, said: “At the NI Hospitality School, we recognise the significant challenges the industry faces, particularly around recruitment and developing a sustainable and highly skilled workforce.

“Through targeted training and support, we’re working to bridge these gaps by equipping individuals with the expertise and confidence needed to maintain a thriving career within the hospitality sector.

Pictured are representatives from academy funders for the NI Hospitality School, alongside Ian Paisley, chairman of The Gallaher Trust, initial funder of the NI Hospitality School and Eddie McKeever, managing director of McKeever Hotel Group and chairman of the NI Hospitality SchoolPictured are representatives from academy funders for the NI Hospitality School, alongside Ian Paisley, chairman of The Gallaher Trust, initial funder of the NI Hospitality School and Eddie McKeever, managing director of McKeever Hotel Group and chairman of the NI Hospitality School
Pictured are representatives from academy funders for the NI Hospitality School, alongside Ian Paisley, chairman of The Gallaher Trust, initial funder of the NI Hospitality School and Eddie McKeever, managing director of McKeever Hotel Group and chairman of the NI Hospitality School

"By creating opportunities for meaningful employment and continuous professional development, we’re ensuring that both employees and employers have the tools they need to succeed, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and dynamic hospitality industry in Northern Ireland.

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“I would like to pay homage to The Gallaher Trust, whose initial funding enabled the NI Hospitality School to come to fruition. The fact that we have now attracted funding from the private sector is evidence of the enhanced reputation and success of the school since it was established three years ago. A number of businesses within the private sector have recognised the importance of securing a pipeline of future talent and we are truly very grateful for their support. We are looking forward to the future of the school and to providing greater benefits to our participants and to the hospitality industry as a whole.”

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The NI Hospitality School encompasses a number of academies including a bar academy, a chef academy and a food service academy.

Pictured at the NI Hospitality School graduation are Brenda McGale, Britvic Ireland, Skye Hanley, an NI Hospitality School graduate, Eddie McKeever, managing director of McKeever Hotel Group and chairman of the NI Hospitality School and Kiera Campbell, Henderson FoodservicePictured at the NI Hospitality School graduation are Brenda McGale, Britvic Ireland, Skye Hanley, an NI Hospitality School graduate, Eddie McKeever, managing director of McKeever Hotel Group and chairman of the NI Hospitality School and Kiera Campbell, Henderson Foodservice
Pictured at the NI Hospitality School graduation are Brenda McGale, Britvic Ireland, Skye Hanley, an NI Hospitality School graduate, Eddie McKeever, managing director of McKeever Hotel Group and chairman of the NI Hospitality School and Kiera Campbell, Henderson Foodservice

Formerly a Chef, Skye Hanley aged 23 from Ballymena, is an NI Hospitality School food service academy graduate, who has pivoted her career and now works in a guest facing role as a food and beverage assistant in Gillies Grill and Elements at Galgorm Resort.

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“Transitioning from working in the kitchen to a guest facing role has been a very rewarding experience,” she added.

“The training I received at the NI Hospitality School gave me the confidence and skills I needed to thrive in my new role. Taking part in the course has shown me the wealth of growth opportunities that are available to me – I’m really excited for my future.”

The full list of private sector funders for the NI Hospitality School are: Britvic, Bacardi Martini, Bushmills Distillery, Anzac, Dillon Bass, Britvic Ireland, Tennents, Richmond Marketing, The Gallaher Trust, Galgorm Group, Henderson Foodservice and Galgorm Collection.

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