The Northern Ireland Hospitality School has recently announced the appointment of Ashley Douglas as Director of Operations, marking a significant milestone as the education initiative expands to address the industry’s people and skills shortages. The School, established in 2021 through a collaboration between Galgorm Resort, Tullyglass House Hotel, and Adair Arms Hotel, has garnered support from private sector businesses like Britvic Ireland, Henderson Foodservice, and Bushmills Distillery.
Ashley Douglas, with over 20 years of experience in the industry and a strong passion for hospitality, expressed his excitement about his new role. He highlighted the importance of delivering training and employment programs that will produce high-quality candidates for local establishments. His background includes managing a Tiki Bar in Portrush and providing bartender training programs across Ireland for Diageo, Belfast Met, and the Northern Regional College.
In his new role, Ashley aims to build on the School’s innovative approaches to recruitment and skills development. He emphasized the importance of not just filling vacancies but fostering careers and developing talent to ensure the long-term success of the industry. Ashley plans to strengthen relationships with private sector businesses and hospitality colleagues to increase funding support and provide more training opportunities.
The Northern Ireland Hospitality School consists of several academies, including a bar academy, chef academy, and food service academy, where participants receive a mix of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and hands-on experience to earn Level 2 or Level 3 qualifications. The School has already made a significant impact by training 143 individuals, with plans for more cohorts in the Bar and Food Service Academies.
Eddie McKeever, Chairman of NI Hospitality School, welcomed Ashley’s appointment and expressed confidence in the School’s future growth and impact. He envisions the School becoming a hub of innovation, collaboration, and opportunity in the hospitality sector. Eddie looks forward to seeing the School continue to excel under Ashley’s leadership and contribute to the sector’s bright future.
For more information on the Northern Ireland Hospitality School and the available academies, visit their website. The School’s commitment to excellence and career development in the hospitality industry is evident through its successful training programs and partnerships with industry stakeholders.
Overall, Ashley Douglas’s appointment as Director of Operations at the Northern Ireland Hospitality School represents a significant step towards addressing the industry’s challenges and nurturing talent for the future. With a focus on innovation, collaboration, and excellence, the School is poised to make a lasting impact on the hospitality sector in Northern Ireland.
