Local women find new opportunities in hospitality industry

PICTURED ABOVE: Dr Lorna Warren, Head of Quality Improvement at the Department for the Economy, pictured with Emma Quinn, LMP Project Officer at Derry City and Strabane District Council and Shonagh Higgenbotham, LMP Employment Support Officer, at the recent Craft Training Annual Awards ceremony.

A special presentation event took place on Wednesday acknowledging the success of a new programme aimed at setting women on a career pathway in the hospitality industry.

The Women into Hospitality Employment Academy is a joint initiative between the Labour Market Partnership and Foyle Women’s Aid, with training provided by Craft Training.

Labour Market Partnerships create targeted employment action plans for council areas and are funded by the Department for Communities, allowing for collaboration at local and regional level to support people towards and into work.

Seven local women successfully completed the programme, which was specially designed to assist people in overcoming the barriers that prevent them from moving into employment.

The four-week training schedule involved the completion of a number of accredited modules in areas including hygiene, customer service, catering and secure working environments. They also received advice and information on compiling a CV and interview skills, as well as some practical training in the areas of food prep and first aid.

To date three of the participants have already secured employment in the local hospitality industry.

Congratulating all those who took part, Labour Market Partnership Manager, Nicky Gilleece, said: “I am delighted that some of the participants are already seeing the benefits of the Women into Hospitality Employment Academy. It can be extremely daunting for women to take the first steps towards a new career, especially when facing other challenges in their lives. This programme takes a step by step approach, and a more manageable way to gain skills and experience, all under the guidance of experienced training staff.

"It helps to gradually build people’s confidence as they learn, and opens up a range of opportunities across the hospitality industry.”

One of the women who took part in the programme, Karen McLaughlin, said she would really recommend the experience. “This programme had been an amazing opportunity for myself to re-enter employment and reengage with society as I have been out of work for 15 years. I believed due to not working I had nothing left to give, but this course is an ideal stepping stone for people such as myself. 

“I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge on health and safety, grown in confidence in administering first aid and from the food certificates attained. All the certificates you need to get a job are in this course which has landed on my lap. I would encourage more people to engage in course like this, with the many benefits they bring. The staff were so kind and helpful throughout my journey.”

The presentation follows on from the Craft Training Annual Awards ceremony at the end of May, celebrating the success of those taking part in the Skills for Life and Work and Apprentice Learners programmes for 2023/2024. The event acknowledged the achievements of local young people who, despite their own challenges, have been able to successfully achieve a qualification in their chosen vocational area.

At the ceremony Derry City and Strabane District Council was awarded the Collaborative Partnership of the year 2024, in acknowledgement of Council’s work with local partners to promote skills and employment throughout the City and District.