Retail And Hospitality Jobs Scheme Gets High Profile Launch

Up to 200 jobs are to be created across Belfast in the hospitality and retail sectors, thanks to a new programme led by Belfast City Council.

The HARTE (Hospitality and Retail Training for Employment) programme will target the long-term unemployed by providing job training opportunities in both industries over the next two and a half years.

It will be delivered by Time Associates, Gems and Belfast Metropolitan College.

Geoff Burch, presenter of BBC2's hit show 'All Over The Shop' will launch the programme at a special ceremony at Titanic House in Queen's Island (pictured) tomorrow (Friday).

The programme is jointly funded by the council and the European Social Fund programme and supported by the Department of Employment and Learning (DEL).

The Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Tom Hartley will also be in attendance, and he commented: "The HARTE programme is an exciting new initiative for individuals interested in training for employment with local hospitality and retail employers. In addition to gaining qualifications and personal development training, all participants who successfully complete the programme will be guaranteed an interview with a local employer for current vacancies. This is very welcome news for the local economy."

In advance of his visit, Geoff Burch commented: "The HARTE programme will give people the chance to blossom and the hospitality and retail sectors are the perfect places to do this. People undervalue themselves all the time and I'm always amazed at people who think they have no ability.

"For example, take the role of a hotel porter. He's one of the first people to meet the customer and if it’s their first visit to the city then it’s the perfect time for the porter to strike up a conversation and recommend a few places to visit while he carries takes bags to your room. They can become great ambassadors for the city."

The HARTE programme will also be represented by the hospitality and retail skills councils and a newly established Employers' Stakeholder Forum. The forum is made up of major retail and hospitality groups which include IKEA and the Ramada Encore.

Tory Kerley, Manager for Northern Ireland Skillsmart Retail, the retail sector skills council, said: "In these challenging times for the economy, it is more important than ever to support people trying to get into the labour market by helping them acquire the skills they need."

(BMcC/JM)