Nearly 500 Young People Explore Careers Through World of Work Programme

A total of 471 pupils from schools across Mid and East Antrim have taken part in the World of Work programme, gaining first-hand experience of careers in hospitality and tourism. The initiative was delivered by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council in partnership with Galgorm Collection and local hospitality businesses.

471 Students Take Part In World Of Work Programme

Nearly 500 young people across Mid and East Antrim have explored future career opportunities through the successful delivery of the World of Work programme.

The initiative gave 471 students from local primary and post-primary schools the chance to learn more about careers in hospitality and tourism.

Delivered by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council in partnership with Galgorm Collection, the programme involved seven primary schools and eight post-primary schools.

In total, pupils took part in 54 interactive sessions designed to showcase the wide range of roles available in the local hospitality and tourism sector.

Pupils Gain First-Hand Career Experience

The World of Work programme gave pupils the opportunity to visit hospitality businesses across the Borough.

From P7 pupils to school leavers, students met industry professionals and learned how skills developed in the classroom can be used in future careers.

The sessions helped young people better understand the opportunities available in areas such as:

• Food and beverage
• Event planning
• Marketing
• Tourism
• Management
• Customer service
• Hospitality operations

Mayor Praises Impact On Young People

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Thomas Gordon, welcomed the success of the programme.

He said Council was delighted to build on last year’s pilot through its partnership with Galgorm Collection and leading hospitality businesses across the Borough.

He praised the strong engagement from pupils and schools, adding that visits to local businesses allowed young people to see the variety of career paths available within the sector.

The Mayor also acknowledged Papa Browns for delivering additional sessions for the exceptional school leavers of Roddensvale School.

He thanked Galgorm Collection, The Tullyglass Hotel, Adair Arms, The Harbourview Hotel, Papa Browns, Council teams and Tourism NI for supporting the programme.

Hospitality And Tourism Careers Prove Popular

Feedback from pupils showed strong interest in the hospitality and tourism sector.

When asked about their career interests, food and beverage roles emerged as the most popular choice.

Event planning was also a popular option, while marketing, tourism and management attracted equal interest from students.

Galgorm Collection Highlights Career Opportunities

Colin Johnston, CEO of Galgorm Collection, said it was a privilege to partner with local schools and showcase the breadth of opportunity in hospitality and tourism.

He said it was particularly encouraging to see post-primary pupils showing genuine interest in pursuing careers in the sector.

He added that the industry offers a wide range of dynamic and rewarding career paths.

According to Mr Johnston, the World of Work programme plays an important role in helping young people understand the full potential of the sector.

Schools Involved In The Programme

The primary schools involved were:

• Buick Memorial Primary School
• Gracehill Primary School
• St Brigid’s Primary School
• St Colmcille’s Primary School
• Castle Tower Junior
• Central Integrated Primary School
• Seaview Primary School

The post-primary schools involved were:

• St Killian’s College
• Cullybackey College
• Ballymena Academy
• Roddensvale
• Dunclug College
• Slemish College
• Cambridge House
• Castle Tower Senior school leavers

Local Businesses Supporting The Programme

A number of hospitality and tourism organisations helped deliver the programme across Mid and East Antrim.

These included:

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

Galgorm Collection partnered with Cullybackey College, Ballymena Academy, Cambridge House, Buick Memorial Primary School, Gracehill Primary School and St Brigid’s Primary School.

The Tullyglass Hotel partnered with Castle Tower Junior and Castle Tower Senior.

Adair Arms worked with Dunclug College, Slemish College and St Colmcille’s Primary School.

The Harbourview Hotel partnered with St Killian’s College and Seaview Primary School.

Papa Browns supported Roddensvale and Central Integrated Primary School.

Tourism NI also delivered virtual reality sessions to all seven primary schools.

Supporting Skills And Future Employment

The World of Work programme forms part of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s wider commitment to skills development, career awareness and future employment opportunities.

By connecting young people with local employers, the programme helps students understand the link between education, workplace skills and future jobs.

It also highlights the importance of the hospitality and tourism sector as a major source of employment across Mid and East Antrim.

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