UNEMPLOYED young people from east Belfast are being offered the opportunity to take part in a new employability programme for the hotel sector which is being co-ordinated by the Prince's Trust.
Several hotels across Belfast and surrounding areas, including the Premier Inn, Clayton Hotel, Malone Lodge and the Maldron, have linked up with the initiative in a bid to further boost the jobs skills offering within the tourism sector.
The 'Get into Hotels' programme will launch next month, with a 'taster' day on October 11 giving young people the opportunity to find out more before the course officially starts on October 17.
Aimed at young people aged 16 to 24, the three-week programme will include training by Belfast Metropolitan College and a work-based placement.
Adam Martin, a former 'Get into Hospitality' participant now working with Premier Inn, endorsed the project at its launch.
"Before my journey with The Prince’s Trust, I was unemployed and lacked confidence," he said. "I always had an interest in hospitality and working in hotels, but I didn’t have the knowledge or any experience.
"The training we received during the programme was amazing and really prepared us for the work placement and the world of work in the hospitality sector."
Graeme Callender, operations manager, Premier Inn, Titanic Quarter, said the hotel was proud to be supporting the programme and helping young people "achieve their potential".
"We feel that the work placement aspect of the programme is invaluable and through previous programmes we were able to employ seven team members across our sites in Belfast."
