Training to maximise tourism and hospitality skills will be a priority for Northern Ireland employees, according to Employment and Learning Minister, Dr Stephen Farry.
His Department is prioritising support for the sector by making funding available for WorldHost customer service training.
Over the next two years, Northern Ireland will host a series of events, celebrations and the launch of many exciting new visitor attractions. These include the opening of Titanic Belfast, hosting the Irish Open, the opening of the new Visitor Centre at the Giant’s Causeway and a host of other events throughout 2012 leading into 2013 with Derry/Londonderry as UK City of Culture and Belfast hosting the World Fire and Police Games.
Dr Farry said: “I recognise the opportunities for the tourism and hospitality industry over this period and I am determined to make the most of these opportunities to provide employment for the local labour market and to boost the local economy. Obviously the skills of staff are fundamental to success. Consequently, I have designated it as a priority area.”
In addition to the work the Department for Employment and Learning has taken forward as part of the sector’s Future Skills Action Plan, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, the sector skills council People 1st and the Department’s Skills Solutions services have worked in strategic partnership to put in place WorldHost customer service training in Northern Ireland.
The Minister continued: “Due to the strategic importance that my Department places on hospitality and tourism, and the sector’s ability to contribute significantly to rebuilding the local economy, funding for WorldHost customer service training has been made available in this financial year through my Skills Solutions service and I have committed to finance future training of staff over the next two years.”
In addition to implementing a funding package for WorldHost training, the Department’s Skills Solutions service has also developed a further short training package with Northern Regional College to assist the sector in up-skilling staff on the North Coast who will be hosting the Irish Open later this year.
This training package is specifically designed to complement the WorldHost training and, as part of the Department’s commitment to the draft Tourism Strategy, funding has been made available to encourage employers to avail of this training. Skills Solutions is also in ongoing discussions with the Tourist Board on other potential projects to develop and train staff.