Kerry-based Skillnet Business Networks Celebrate Decade of Hospitality Leadership Development Programme

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley TD, joined three Skillnet Business Networks based in Co Kerry - Rural Food Skillnet, South West Gnó Skillnet and South Kerry Skillnet – to mark 10 successful years of the Bachelor of Arts in Hotel Management, National Trainee Manager Development Programme. The programme is delivered by the Skillnet Business Networks in collaboration with Munster Technological University (MTU).

A keynote address was delivered by Minister Foley at the MTU North Campus, Tralee, Co Kerry, who recognised the importance of investing in skills development, industry collaboration and educational pathways that support both learners and the continued growth of Ireland’s hospitality sector.

Minister Foley said: “We have more than 228,000 people working in tourism which is quite phenomenal. The culture of welcome and warmth is the reason we have so many people working in the sector. It is wonderful to celebrate 10 years of the Bachelor of Arts in Hotel Management, which offers the opportunity to hone and nurture those skills. Thanks to all those who make the programme possible, including Skillnet Ireland, MTU Kerry and hospitality employers.”

Graduates, current participants and business partners gathered for the milestone event, which highlighted a decade of successful collaboration between industry and higher education - reinforcing the impact of the programme in developing hospitality talent through an innovative work-based learning approach.

Commenting on the impact of the programme, Dave Flynn, Director of Business Networks, Skillnet Ireland, said: “Over the past decade, this programme has played a crucial role in delivering industry-led, work-based learning and building a strong pipeline of hospitality leaders. At Skillnet Ireland, we support businesses to build their competitiveness, by investing in their people. Through training programmes that focus on key skills, like the BA in Hotel Management that we’re celebrating today, businesses can offer their employees valuable opportunities to succeed, while bringing a deeper level of expertise to their enterprise.”

John Moriarty, Network Manager, Rural Food Skillnet, said: “The success of this programme shows what can be achieved when education and industry partner together with a shared vision. Over the past 10 years we’ve supported workforce development, built leadership pathways, and strengthened the future of hospitality through partnership and collaboration. This programme has supported the skills development of hospitality leaders through opportunities for academic learning combined with practical workplace experience.”

Alumni and employers from across the hospitality sector came together to celebrate the programme’s achievements, and had an opportunity to hear from graduates who shared personal insights into their career progression.

Dr Noel Murray, Dean of Faculty of Business, Munster Technological University, added: “At MTU, we believe education can have a very meaningful impact when it is shaped by real industry needs and

partnerships. This programme is a strong example of how collaboration can create worthwhile opportunities for learners while supporting the long-term development of the hospitality sector.”

A panel discussion on the day focused on workplace learning partnerships, the evolving skills needs of the hospitality sector, and opportunities for future collaboration between education providers and industry. The celebration reinforced the value of strong partnerships in building a skilled, resilient and future-focused hospitality workforce and highlighted the continued commitment of the three Skillnet Business Networks in Kerry and MTU to supporting leadership and talent development.