Roddensvale School Students Excel in World of Work Programme

Roddensvale School students have been praised for their outstanding work during Mid and East Antrim’s World of Work programme, which ended with a special afternoon tea event at PaPa Browns in Carrickfergus.

Roddensvale School Students Celebrated for Hospitality Success

Students from Roddensvale School have been recognised for their exceptional participation in the Mid and East Antrim World of Work programme.

The programme concluded with a special Afternoon Tea Party hosted by PaPa Browns in Carrickfergus on Friday 22 May 2026.

The local restaurant was so impressed by the enthusiasm and dedication shown by the school leaver students that it arranged two additional bespoke hospitality sessions to further enhance their experience.

Afternoon Tea Event Marks End of Programme

The celebratory event welcomed two Deputy Lieutenants on behalf of the Antrim Lieutenancy:

• Mrs Jackie Stewart MBE DL
• Mrs Jane Allen DL

Guests were welcomed by School Principal Mr J Madden alongside Matt McDowell, Director of People at Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.

VIP attendees enjoyed an afternoon tea prepared and served entirely by the students, showcasing the hospitality and customer service skills they developed throughout the programme.

Students Gain Real Hospitality Experience

Ten pupils from Roddensvale School took part in three practical sessions as part of the World of Work initiative.

The students gained first-hand experience in the day-to-day running of a busy restaurant while exploring a variety of hospitality roles.

The placements followed two introductory sessions delivered collaboratively by PaPa Browns and Tourism NI.

The sessions focused on:

• The importance of hospitality to the local economy
• Customer service skills
• Food preparation and presentation
• Transferable workplace skills
• Future employment opportunities

Council Praises Students and Local Businesses

Speaking about the event, Matt McDowell, Director of People at Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, praised both the students and PaPa Browns for their commitment to the programme.

He said:

“It was an honour to be part of this unique experience for Roddensvale students. The savoury and sweet elements of the afternoon tea were exquisite, and all served with smiles.”

Mr McDowell added that each student was enthusiastic about sharing their experiences and said he was confident they would become valuable assets in future workplaces.

He also commended PaPa Browns for going above and beyond to support the programme.

PaPa Browns Organised Additional Learning Sessions

Matthew Wright, supported by PaPa Browns owner Karen Greenaway, helped organise the extra hospitality sessions.

Matthew said he was impressed by the students from the very beginning.

He explained that one additional session took place within the school café, where students served drinks and operated a tuckshop-style experience for fellow pupils and teachers.

Any profit generated during the session will be reinvested into supplies and stock for the school.

Matthew said:

“The pupils really came into their own and delivered a perfect experience from prep to service.”

He also thanked the school, parents and carers for supporting the students throughout the council-organised programme.

Mid and East Antrim World of Work Programme

The Mid and East Antrim World of Work programme was delivered in partnership with seven primary schools and eight post-primary schools across the Borough.

Hospitality and tourism partners involved included:

• Galgorm Collection
• Tullyglass Hotel
• The Adair Arms
• The Harbourview Hotel
• PaPa Browns
• Tourism NI