Mayo Sligo Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB ) welcomed Minister of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science, Simon Harris, on Monday where he performed the official opening of the new MSLETB Hospitality and Catering Training Centre at MSLETB Training Centre - Sligo.
Speaking at the event Minister Harris said: “After an emotional morning at the launch of the Atlantic Technological University, I am delighted to be here to open this new Hospitality and Catering Training Centre at MSLETB Sligo Training Centre. Hospitality has suffered an awful lot over the past two years, but the future is so bright, it really is great to see MSLETB leading the development of skills for people working in the hospitality sector. This is another giant leap forward with regards to apprenticeships and provision of skills development for the northwest and the west of Ireland.”
This new state-of-the-art training facility was developed as part of the national strategy to address existing and future skills needs in Ireland by increasing the number and range of training options available in the hospitality, tourism, and catering sector.
Tom Grady, chief executive, MSLETB, stated: “The MSLETB Hospitality and Catering Training Centre is designed to provide a first-class training environment for learners. It will also help support industry by providing a sustainable stream of skilled, professionally qualified, long-term employees for the sector.”
The programmes offered at the centre include the National Commis Chef Apprenticeship, Hospitality Career Traineeship, National Craft Butchery Apprenticeship, Certificate in General Patisserie, and the Fifty Shades Greener sustainability initiative.
Commenting today, Adrian Cummins, CEO of Restaurant Association of Ireland (RAI ) highlighted the skills shortages being experienced by the hospitality industry and the importance of training programmes like the National Commis Chef Apprenticeship which help address shortages and aid in the retention of staff.
"Our programmes use a variety of learning methodologies to deliver industry led and relevant training," he said. "Working with industry partners and supported by MSLETB, our programmes have been developed to train aspiring hospitality industry practitioners to become competent in the many skills required by industry."
Commenting on the importance of employer participation in the development of national apprenticeships, Anthony Gray, owner/operator of Eala Bhan and Hooked restaurants and former chairperson of the RAI, pointed to the “significant contribution employers make to the programme" and emphasised the importance of continuous professional development to upskill and retain suitably qualified staff. "I have supported the Commis Chef programme from the outset and look forward to having two apprentices on the next intake in May,” he added.
The second group of Commis Chef apprentices commenced the programme in October 2021. The next intake is scheduled for May 2022 and is currently open for registrations.
For more information about hospitality and catering training programmes email [email protected]. To become an approved employer or to register an apprentice, email [email protected].
