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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.