HASTINGS Hotels has appointed 13 trainee and assistant managers to the group’s management ambassador programme, which has been developed in association with Ulster University.
Now in its ninth year, the programme offers participants the opportunity to obtain a level four accredited CPD qualification.
It aims to deepen the participants’ understanding of the management of customer service and staff teams within the hospitality environment, and develop understanding of the role.
James McGinn, managing director of Hastings Hotels said: “As a group, we are very passionate about investing in our employees.
“The main aim of the management ambassador programme is to support the continuous development of our managers as we know this helps with the success of their career and indeed the overall success of Hastings Hotels.
“We work closely with Ulster University to review and enhance the modules every year and it was great to launch the 2023 programme at the new academy restaurant on the Belfast campus.”
Past participants of the programme include three of the group’s current general managers: Niall Burns of the Culloden Estate & Spa; Andy McNeill of the Europa Hotel; and Scott Weatherup of Ballygally Castle.
A member of staff from Titanic Belfast will also take part in this year’s programme for the first time.
Mairead McEntee, associate head of the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Ulster University said: “Ulster University Business School is delighted to be working with Hastings Hotels to offer this bespoke management programme tailored specifically to their business to aid in the continuous professional development of key management skills for its staff.
“With participants having the opportunity to obtain a level 4 accredited CPD qualification, this programme not only enhances the future career prospects of its learners on an individual level, it also will help the company reach their business objectives and remain competitive.”
