Educating Students on Opportunities in Hospitality and Tourism: Breaking Stereotypes and Building a Brighter Future
WELCOMING 16,000 people through its doors last year, Worldskills Ireland 2023, a live event in partnership between government, enterprise, industry, education and training is returning to the RDS, Simmonscourt from 20th – 22nd September.
A celebration of apprenticeships, skills and future education options to inspire young people from across the country, Worldskills Ireland 2023 has been designed to raise the profile of skills and apprenticeships, prepping the talent of today for the careers of tomorrow.
Hospitality and Tourism, and exploring the future of the sector and how workforce skills, shortages and supply challenges can be tackled, will be a key focus at this year’s event. The three-day event will showcase the abundant career opportunities available within the Hospitality and Tourism industry and highlight the importance of skills and apprenticeships in developing a fulfilling and successful career. From the hero’s stage, where visitors will be able to benefit from first-hand learning from some of the country’s top ‘career heroes’ and star apprentices, to employer stands ready to recruit, Worldskills Ireland is THE event to change perceptions about apprenticeships as career options, presenting a wide selection of pathways to excite young students.
“Through Worldskills Ireland, the negative perception around working in kitchens as a career is being challenged, inspiring and motivating young professionals to pursue a career in the hospitality industry. This event promotes the sector as a viable and exciting career option, offering a wide range of opportunities for growth and development.
“Moreover, Worldskills Ireland provides a platform for young professionals to develop their skills, network, and gain exposure to new trends and technologies in the industry. This experience helps them to hone their craft and become the future leaders of the hospitality sector.”
Mark Anderson, spokesperson for Chef Network and Culinary Director, Gather&Gather added: “Worldskills Ireland is a fantastic event which showcases the breath of opportunities available to young people within the hospitality and foodservice sector. Having a career in the hospitality and foodservice sector is incredibly exciting and rewarding and we are always searching for new talent to keep driving the industry forward.
“We need wider recognition of the opportunities and real career progression that exists in this sector. Once you have gained hospitality skills through an apprenticeship, your career can really take you anywhere.
“The Chef Network team is really looking forward to speaking directly with students, and those interested in the hospitality and foodservice sector, about the apprenticeships that are available.”
Celebrating excellence within the industry, the National Skills finals will be taking place at the event showcasing more than 32+ varied skills in a competitive setting. Hospitality and Tourism skills competitions will include; Craft Butchery, Cookery and Restaurant Service.
Competitors from across Ireland, as well as four examiners per competition, will be involved in the Hospitality and Tourism competitions. Examiners will be watching the best in Ireland compete for the national title and the chance to win the Minister’s Silver Medal during the Awards ceremony. The National Hospitality and Tourism Competition finals for 2023 are supported by Industry leaders including, Craft Butchers Association and Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training and Board (MSLETB).
Returning to Worldskills Ireland, Fáilte Ireland will be promoting their many tourism careers initiatives within the Careers Pavilion at the show. Sharon Balmaine, Head of Tourism Careers at Fáilte Ireland comments: “Tourism is a dynamic and exciting industry offering endless opportunities for young people to build a successful and rewarding career. From front-line roles to behind-the-scenes operations, the breadth and diversity of roles within the sector are vast, and the skills gained are transferable across many industries. With an ever-growing demand for tourism experiences, there has never been a better time for young people to consider a career in this vibrant industry.
“That’s why a show like Worldskills Ireland is so important, it provides a huge opportunity for students to interact and meet with those working within the tourism sector, and learn about the many great career paths within this exciting industry. We look forward to welcoming students, teachers and parents to our stand across the three-days.”
The event is supported by industry partners, SISK, Construction Industry Federation, ESB Networks, Autodesk, Bus Eireann and Dublin Bus, and education partners including the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS), The Higher Education Authority (HEA), SOLAS, and NAO.
Alongside Tourism and Hospitality, Worldskills Ireland 2023 will promote and showcase a wide range of skills areas, including construction, manufacturing, ICT, creative arts, engineering, transportation and logistics, and many more.
Commenting on the show’s return, Ray English, Worldskills Ireland Chair noted: ” Vocational skills are critical to the success of our economy, and we believe that by promoting excellence in these areas, we can create a brighter future for our young people, our industries, and our country. We are excited to work with our partners to elevate the status and perception of skills in Ireland and inspire the next generation of skilled professionals.”
With a mission to inspire and encourage the next generation to follow their passions, interests and talents, Worldskills Ireland 2023 is committed to promoting excellence in skills and driving economic growth through a skilled workforce. NEW for 2023, Worldskills Ireland will run concurrently with the Irish Times’ Higher Options show, meaning visitors will be able to explore an array of opportunities and career paths, across two shows, in just one trip.
If you are looking to recruit talented individuals, promote the hospitality sector as a viable career option, and support the development of the industry’s future leaders, then Worldskills Ireland is an event you cannot afford to miss.
Opportunities available: If you are interested in supporting the next generation of skilled workers by becoming a competition sponsor (Cookery or Restaurant Service available) helping to identify and encourage the next generation of hospitality professionals, or want to showcase your business at one of Ireland’s largest careers events by exhibiting within the Careers or Educators Zone, contact [email protected] or call 00353 (0)1 846 0020 to talk to the team.
For further information on Worldskills Ireland 2023, please see www.worldskillsireland.ie or follow Worldskills Ireland on social media.
