Cork hospitality graduates receive certificates for leadership programme

Tue, 31 Oct, 2023 - 07:00

Concubhar Ó Liatháin

A NEW crop of leaders in the hospitality sector received their certificates during a ceremony at the Cork Further Education and Training’s Bishopstown campus, having undertaken a leadership programme designed to meet the specific need of their employers, two of Cork’s leading hotels.

The group who undertook the programme were employees of the Kingsley and Fota Island Resort Hotels, with each participant awarded the Institute of Leadership & Management Level 4 certificate after they completed a programme designed in partnership by Ber Browne of the Skills to Advance Team, Cork College of FET and Catriona Sheehan, human resources and learning development Manager of the Kingsley Hotel.

The graduation ceremony, was attended by the graduates, their families and friends as well as senior leaders in Cork College of FET and the Kingsley/Fota Hotels.

According to Catríona Sheehan of the Kingsley Hotel, working with the Cork College of FET had been a ‘seamless experience from start to finish’.

Pictured is Denis Leamy, Chief Executive Cork ETB presenting Anca Holban, with her Certificate, also included is Charlie Dineen, HR Director The Fota Collection, at the Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM Level 4) Graduation Ceremony (members from The Fota Collection - The Kingsley Hotel / Fota Island Resort), at the Cork College of FET Bishopstown Campus, Bishopstown, Cork.Picture: Jim Coughlan.

“From first discussions to initiating the leadership management programme, the support we received was outstanding - sourcing the tutors, agreeing the schedule, and building the modules,” she said.

“The learning within the modules and the calibre of the tutor was remarkable”.

The programme called on the participants to be able to overcome a daunting work/life balance challenge.

Pictured is Denis Leamy, Chief Executive Cork ETB presenting Agata Beczek, with her Certificate, also included is Fergal Harte, General Manager The Kingsley Hotel, at the Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM Level 4) Graduation Ceremony.

“Our teams worked very hard balancing the study with work but it was all worth it to attend their graduation at Cork College of FET.

“The happiness and sense of achievement resonating from the room today as our team graduated was a really proud moment for us all,” said Ms Sheehan.

Pictured is Niamh Gaine, Assistant Manager Cork College of FET Bisopstown Campus presenting Eugene Canavan, with his Certificate, also included is Fergal Harte, General Manager The Kingsley Hotel, at the Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM Level 4) Graduation Ceremony (members from The Fota Collection - The Kingsley Hotel / Fota Island Resort), at the Cork College of FET Bishopstown Campus, Bishopstown, Cork.Picture: Jim Coughlan.

Cork College of FET assistant manager Niamh Gaine paid tribute to all the graduates for the ‘time and effort’ they had put into completing the programme.

“It takes courage to take on a programme of learning, courage to put yourself in the shoes of a learner,” said Ms Gaine.

“This is especially the case when working full time and balancing the demands of work, home and study.”

Niamh Gaine presenting Urla Coomey with her certificate. Also included is Charlie Dineen, HR director The Fota Collection.

As she congratulated the group of graduates on their achievement, Ms Gaine urged them to continue their journey of learning.

“Learning is lifelong and through Skills to Advance, we can provide real flexible options for upskilling while working,” said Ms Gaine.

“In Cork ETB and Cork College of FET, we provide a pathway for every learner. This programme has put you on a path- keep going onto the next step”.

Pictured is Niamh Gaine, Assistant Manager Cork College of FET Bishopstown Campus, presenting Jenny Feehan with her certificate, also included is Catriona Sheehan, HR Manager The Kingsley Hotel, at the Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM Level 4) Graduation Ceremony (members from The Fota Collection - The Kingsley Hotel / Fota Island Resort), at the Cork College of FET Bishopstown Campus, Bishopstown, Cork.Picture: Jim Coughlan.

Cork College of FET has campuses in Mallow and Kinsale as well as Bishopstown and offers a wide range of full time and part time courses as well as apprenticeships.

Further information about these courses and where they’re being offered can be accessed via the website of Cork College of FET which can be found at fet.corketb.ie.

Cork preschool planning 'trick or treat' fundraising initiative in aid of well-known charity