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IT Tralee offers free hospitality programmes
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If you are currently working or considering a career in the hospitality sector, there’s never been a better time to train and upskill. Through the Springboard+ programme, IT Tralee are offering a number of free and 90% funded programmes in the tourism and hospitality sector.
Skills shortages in this sector have been identified in recent reports and the Springboard+ initiative, which up until now was targeted at unemployed people re-entering the workforce, is available to all people irrespective of their employment status.
Programmes in the hospitality sector being funded by Springboard+ at IT Tralee include: a Certificate in Culinary Arts (100% funded); a Certificate in Food and Beverage Operations (100% funded); a Diploma in Restaurant Operations Management (90% funded); and a BA (Honours) in Hotel Management (90% funded).
Speaking from IT Tralee, Vice President for Development, Research and External Engagement Bríd McElligott said: “This Springboard+ offering gives people of all ages the chance to avail of a very exciting pathway to a full and rewarding career in the hospitality sector. If you are a chef, bartender, waiter, manager, receptionist, porter, concierge or someone who would like to work in the tourism trade, we urge you to get in touch today to explore how you can increase your qualifications, in a flexible and supportive learning environment.”
Niamh O’Shea, General Manager of Killarney Park Hotel and Chairperson of the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) echoes this sentiment. “Given the severe shortage of chefs at all levels, a shortage of professional front line staff in food and beverage, and the need for professional development of middle and senior managers, there’s never been a better time to upskill through a Springboard+ funded programme and avail of the wonderful job opportunities that exist in the sector,” she said.
Owner of award winning restaurant and wedding venue Sol y Sombra, Cliodhna Foley, explains why she encouraged her staff to upskill through Springboard+ programmes at IT Tralee: “While it’s a very positive thing that Ireland is approaching full employment, it also means that it is becoming increasingly difficult to attract and retain top talent. We are delighted to support two members of our management team in undertaking the Diploma in Restaurant Operations Management and Certificate in Social Media for Digital Marketing in order to ensure they continue to grow in their chosen professions and bring new ideas, creativity and practical skills that benefit the business.”
Springboard+ Programmes through the Hotel, Culinary Arts and Tourism department at IT Tralee are delivered on a part-time basis over an academic year. For more information on all programmes including application deadlines, availability, eligibility and start dates, please contact IT Tralee’s dedicated Life Long Learning team on 066 7191701 or email lifelonglearning@ittralee.ie.
News
Ballyspillane Community and Family Resource Centre launch Ageless roadshow
Ballyspillane Community and Family Resource Centre is putting on a series of meetings and talks to offer older members of the community a chance to meet people from organisations […]

Ballyspillane Community and Family Resource Centre is putting on a series of meetings and talks to offer older members of the community a chance to meet people from organisations that will enhance their lives.
The first talk will take place on October 3 at the Ballyspillane Community Resource Centre and will continue thereafter on a regular basis.
Thomas Doyle from SpecSavers will give the first talk and other groups like the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Alone, Family Carers Ireland, the Health and Safety Executive, Heartbeat Killarney, Be Active Be Well and the Parkinson’s Association of Ireland will join at future dates.
“We felt there was a need to bring all the organisations that can give older people the opportunity to come and meet organisations to offer support, services and activities that align with the life they wish to live,” said Sophie Haighway of the Ballyspillane Community Resource.
“The Ageless road show is a combination of organisations to help older people in the community. The groups that have committed to attend are the on alternative months. There will a guest speaker each month,”
The roadshow will be held in Ballyspillane CFRC the first Tuesday of every month from 12.30 pm-2 pm.
Further details from Sophie on 085 7723723.
News
Climb Carrauntoohil three times in one day
A Tipperary woman is going to attempt to climb Carrauntoohil three times in one day to raise money for a sick child. Nikita Conlon from Roscrea is a personal trainer […]
A Tipperary woman is going to attempt to climb Carrauntoohil three times in one day to raise money for a sick child.
Nikita Conlon from Roscrea is a personal trainer and care assistant who has been working in health care for 18 years.
While working at the Milford Care Centre she met the family of Noah Quish. The six-year-old from Monaleen, Limerick was born with serious health issues ranging from a heart defect, severe laryngomalacia, severe sleep apnoea, scoliosis and chromosome deletion.
‘I worked in the Milford Care Centre for five years where I met Una Quish, Noah’s mam, so I felt the need to do something to help his family. I decided to set up this fundraiser.
“I plan to set off at midnight on Friday October 6, and hope to finish at 5 pm on Saturday.
“I have previously Climbed Kilimanjaro in February 2023 and raised over €6000 for the Dean Maxwell Nursing Home in Roscrea,” she said.
“My whole life I have felt the need to help others and now it’s time to help Noah and I need the support to help him.
“This challenge is not going to be easy but I am going to give it my all.
“I have experienced hikers coming along on the day.’
Her plan is to leave Cronin’s Yard at midnight and to return to the starting point at 4.30 am. She will restart at 5 am from the bottom of the Devil’s Ladder. By 10 am on Saturday she hopes to have started her third and final lap.
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