Carrickfergus Enterprise, in partnership with Mid and East Antrim Labour Market Partnership (LMP) and Clanmil Housing Association, is celebrating the success of its latest Hospitality Taster Programme after helping local residents secure jobs, gain 26 industry-recognised qualifications and take steps towards self-employment.
Delivered locally on behalf of Mid and East Antrim Labour Market Partnership and supported through the Department for Communities’ Employability NI initiative, the programme was designed to inspire, upskill and support local people into meaningful employment within one of the region’s fastest-growing sectors. Funded by the Department for Communities, Labour Market Partnerships create targeted employment action plans for council areas, enabling collaboration at local and regional level to support people towards and into work.
The programme, managed by Carrickfergus Enterprise, significantly exceeded its original targets in terms of recruitment, completions, qualifications, and work tasters. A total of 13 participants enrolled on the initiative, with 10 successfully completing the programme and all 10 reporting satisfaction with their experience.
Collectively, participants achieved 26 accredited qualifications, far surpassing the programme’s original qualification target. Qualifications gained included Emergency First Aid at Work, WorldHost, Food Safety and Powerboat Licence certification. Participants also completed a further three non-accredited skills enhancement courses in Barista Training, Customer Care and Deaf Awareness, helping to build practical hospitality skills and confidence.
The employability outcomes were equally strong. Eleven participants completed one or more work tasters during the programme, creating valuable links between local employers and potential new entrants to the sector. Of the 10 participants who completed the programme, four have already progressed into full-time employment or self-employment and three have secured part-time roles. A further two are now preparing to set up in business or explore self-employment later this year, while one participant is being supported on a pathway back into employment following long-term unemployment.
Kelli Roberts, Chief Executive of Carrickfergus Enterprise, said:
“The outcomes from this programme speak for themselves. We have not only exceeded the targets set at the outset, but more importantly we have helped people gain real qualifications, build confidence and take meaningful steps towards employment, self-employment and new opportunities within the hospitality sector.
“This is exactly the kind of intervention that can make a difference, both for the individual and for the wider local economy. Hospitality and tourism remain important sectors for Mid and East Antrim, and creating a pipeline of skilled, motivated people who are ready to work, retrain or start something of their own is vital to supporting future growth.
“For some participants, this programme has led directly to jobs. For others, it has provided the confidence and practical support to consider self-employment or return to work after time away from the labour market. As Carrickfergus Enterprise prepares to mark 45 years of supporting local people and businesses, this programme is a powerful reminder of the role we continue to play in creating opportunity, backing ambition and helping communities thrive.”
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Thomas Gordon, said:
“This programme is a strong example of what can be achieved when local partners work together to support people into employment, training and new opportunities. Hospitality and tourism are important sectors within Mid and East Antrim, and it is encouraging to see local residents gaining qualifications, building confidence and taking practical steps towards work, self-employment and future careers.
“The success of this programme highlights the value of Labour Market Partnership initiatives in addressing local needs and creating positive outcomes for individuals, employers and the wider economy.”
The Hospitality Taster Programme was designed to support people who were economically inactive, long-term unemployed, under-employed or looking to build new skills and confidence to enter the workforce. Alongside accredited training and mentoring, participants also took part in industry visits and employer engagement opportunities, including work tasters that gave them first-hand insight into the realities and opportunities of working in hospitality.
Carrickfergus Enterprise has delivered a range of employability and skills initiatives across the borough in recent years, including Tourism Academies in 2024 and 2025, and continues to work with public and private sector partners to create practical routes into employment and enterprise across Mid and East Antrim. As the organisation prepares to mark its 45th anniversary, the success of the Hospitality Taster Programme reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting local people, strengthening businesses and helping communities thrive.