A new programme launched today by Minister for Tourism Catherine Martin TD and Fáilte Ireland sets out to connect transition year students seeking work experience and training with businesses in the sector who are prepared to provide structured, high quality work placements and practical training.
The National Tourism Development Authority has developed the programme to help businesses in the sector provide structured, high quality work placements and practical training to students with the aim of encouraging more young people to consider a career choice in the industry in the long-term.
Successful work placements can also lead to students securing seasonal or part-time work, helping to address staff shortages in the year ahead. Businesses can upload their work experience opportunities at tourismcareers.ie
The Transition Year Work Experience Programme is one of the first initiatives launched as part of Fáilte Ireland’s multifaceted tourism careers strategy for 2022 aimed at addressing the staff and skills shortage in the tourism and hospitality industry.
Further initiatives to address the industry’s immediate recruitment efforts include support focused on accessing local and international talent pools and practical supports on implementing a comprehensive recruitment strategy.
150 businesses have already uploaded over 600 placements to Fáilte Ireland’s Work Experience Programme portal and opportunities are available in every county in the country in workplaces including 5-star hotels, outdoor and water-based activities and with some of Ireland’s top visitor attractions.
The portal has been designed to connect businesses and students in one coordinated and accessible online space, allowing for students to secure last minute placements this year or plan for 2023.
Fáilte Ireland has also worked with industry bodies, HR experts, education providers and TY co-ordinators to develop detailed manuals for both students and participating businesses to ensure the placements provided are of high quality and offer practical and relevant learning opportunities.
The programme is supported by a €100k marketing campaign which will run across print, social media and digital platforms.
Check out the Transition Year work experience opportunities at tourismcareers.ie
