A new bespoke employment course aimed at attracting economically inactive women to pursue careers in the hospitality and tourism industry kicks off in Belfast in September.
The four-week programme is the result of a dynamic new partnership between the Women Breaking Barriers initiative, the Hospitality and Tourism Skills network (HATS) and People 1st International.
Helen Crickard from Women Breaking Barriers (WBB) said the aim of the new Hospitality and Tourism Employment Academy was to provide women in long term unemployment with the skills and confidence to seek work in this fast-growing industry.
She said: “The hospitality and tourism sector has many exciting opportunities for women to build a career that offer flexibility and progression. We want to give women the skills and confidence to enter the workplace and enrich their lives while working around family and other caring commitments.”
The course will look at the areas such as an introduction to the industry, teamwork, communication skills, customer service and preparing for interviews. It will be followed by a special meet the employers event on October 1.
Roisin McKee, project director of the Hospitality and Tourism Skills Network (HATS), acknowledged the well-publicised staffing challenges in the industry and said the primary focus of the collaboration was to give women bespoke training to take advantage of the huge diversity of rewarding career opportunities available.
She added: “Employers are adapting to meet the needs of job-seekers and offer better quality job experiences with flexible working, career development and improved reward packages on offer. The changes employers are making to challenge perceptions and help strengthen the appeal make the industry a more attractive career choice.
The Belfast course takes place from 9.30am until 2.30pm on consecutive Thursdays from September 5-26 at the Women’s Support Network at 109-113 Royal Avenue.
Women Breaking Barriers is a collaborative project involving multiple women’s centres and network organisations across Northern Ireland. It provides education and support to equip women with the skills necessary to overcome personal barriers to employment. It is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
For information on how to apply go to https://www.womenbreakingbarriersni.com/hospitality-and-tourism-academy
