Find out how Irish Hotels Federation Skillnet supported Seafield Hotel & Spa Resort to thrive through upskilling
Irish Hotels Federation Skillnet is playing a key role in supporting the growth of businesses in the hotel and guesthouse sector, through an impactful industry-led approach that provides subsidised upskilling programmes for employees.
Seafield Hotel & Spa Resort: A Case Study in People Development
One hotel reaping the benefits of this investment is the award-winning Seafield Hotel & Spa Resort in Co Wexford. Known locally and nationally for its commitment to exceptional guest experience,
Seafield has placed equal emphasis on nurturing and developing its people. As part of this commitment, Hotel Manager Patrick Kickham-Lennon completed a Level 7 Certificate in Applied HR Management through Irish Hotels Federation Skillnet, an achievement that has directly strengthened the resort’s ability to attract, retain, and empower its team.
Before taking part in the programme, Patrick recognised challenges in staff retention and recruitment within the hospitality sector. Upskilling further in HR management allowed him to benchmark Seafield’s practices against industry best practice and introduce new people-focused initiatives that have made a clear and measurable difference.
Transformational Impact on Staff Retention and Performance
Speaking about the HR Management programme, Hotel Manager Patrick Kickham-Lennon said:
“The benefits arising out of the training for us were transformational. Our staff turnover rate now stands at 11.01% against an industry average of over 30%. The three-month retention rate of new starters within our business is now at over 97%, which is extraordinary. Since engaging in the training with the IHF Skillnet, I have progressed from Deputy General Manager here at the resort to Hotel Manager.”
Patrick also received strong support from the Irish Hotels Federation Skillnet Network Manager, Dervla O’Neill, who said:
“We really focus on three things; one is looking at the tailored needs for immediate gaps within the industry. We also look into the future, what are the ever-evolving needs going to be for the industry, and really creating a framework for career progression for all team members within hotels and all hotel departments.”
A Wide Range of Programmes Supporting Ireland’s Hospitality Sector
Irish Hotels Federation Skillnet supports businesses operating in the hotel and guesthouse sector across Ireland, providing high-quality upskilling programmes and networking opportunities. The Network offers a diverse range of programmes including its Craft Skills for the Hotel Industry, Leadership and Management Development and Digital Marketing programmes.
Dave Flynn, Director of Business Networks at Skillnet Ireland, said:
“Through its commitment to upskilling and continuous learning, Seafield Hotel & Spa Resort has achieved positive outcomes – demonstrating the pivotal role Skillnet Ireland and its 70 Skillnet Business Networks can play in connecting businesses with effective training solutions. From empowering SMEs through cutting-edge leadership development programmes, to driving the transition towards sustainability, digitalisation, and the effective adoption of AI, our range of sector specific and multi-sector Networks allow businesses to access the skills and knowledge they need to compete and thrive.”
As Irish SMEs face growing challenges in retaining skilled staff and meeting global market demands, Skillnet Business Networks and National Initiatives can provide businesses with practical, flexible training solutions. By developing a wide range of bespoke programmes aimed at the hospitality industry, Irish Hotels Federation Skillnet is helping companies like Seafield Hotel & Spa Resort to compete while investing in the future of their people.
Nationwide Access to Training Through Skillnet Business Networks
Skillnet Ireland, through its 70 Skillnet Business Networks and National Initiatives, provides a diverse range of training programmes to encourage lifelong learning and upskilling for employees in the hospitality sector and related industries. SMEs operating in these sectors require a wide range of upskilling supports, from production to sustainability and digital skills.
Some of the many training programmes on offer through Skillnet Business Networks include the Hospitality Leadership ESF+ Micro-Credential (Level 9), run by Restaurant & Hospitality Skillnet, designed to provide clear benefits to both businesses and employees, including stronger strategic leadership, improved financial accountability, better conflict resolution, and enhanced team engagement.
Meanwhile, a collaboration between Positive2Work Skillnet and the Irish Travel Agents Association, delivered the Leadership Excellence in the Travel Industry programme, which focuses on improving leadership skills for travel industry professionals with modules such as Leadership and Team Growth, Digital Transformation and Sustainability in the Travel Industry.
Any business in Ireland, of any size, across multiple sectors, can access upskilling and training supports through one of 70 Skillnet Business Networks. Business Leaders are encouraged to contact either a sector-specific or regional Skillnet Business Network to discuss their future upskilling needs.
A list of sector-specific and regional Skillnet Business Networks can be viewed on Skillnet Ireland
