Nearly 500 young people explore careers through World of Work Programme
Wednesday 1 July 2026
A total of 471 students from schools across Mid and East Antrim have gained valuable insight into careers in the hospitality and tourism sector through the successful delivery of the ‘World of Work’ programme.
Delivered by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council in partnership with Galgorm Collection, the initiative engaged pupils from seven primary schools and eight post primary schools through 54 interactive sessions designed to showcase the diverse range of career opportunities within the industry.
From P7 pupils to school leavers, participants had the opportunity to visit local hospitality businesses, meet industry professionals and learn how skills developed in the classroom can translate into rewarding careers.
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Thomas Gordon praised the programme’s impact on local young people. He said: “We were delighted to build on last year’s successful pilot through our partnership with Galgorm Collection and a number of leading hospitality businesses across the Borough.
“The level of engagement by pupils and schools was outstanding. Through visits to local hospitality businesses, our young people were able to see firsthand the variety of career opportunities within this sector, which is home to a high number of high-quality employers.
“In line with our commitment to inclusive communities, I would also like to acknowledge Papa Browns for the additional sessions they delivered for the exceptional school leavers of Roddensvale School.
“My thanks to Galgorm Collection for co-ordinating activities with The Tullyglass Hotel, Adair Arms, The Harbourview Hotel, Papa Browns, as well as the Council and Tourism NI teams throughout the programme.”
Pupils rated the programme highly. When asked about career interests’ food & beverage roles emerged as the most popular choice, followed by event planning, while marketing, tourism and management were equally popular choices.
Colin Johnston, CEO of Galgorm Collection added: “It was a privilege to partner with local schools to showcase the significant breadth of opportunity within hospitality and tourism. As one of the Borough’s largest employers, it was particularly encouraging to see so many post primary pupils expressing a genuine interest in pursuing a career in the sector.
“Our industry offers a wide range of dynamic and rewarding career paths, and it is vital that young people are given the opportunity to understand its full potential. The World of Work programme, supported by the commitment of our teams and partner establishments, plays an important role in bringing these opportunities to life and inspiring the next generation.”
The World of Work programme forms part of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s ongoing commitment to supporting skills development, career awareness and future employment opportunities for young people across the Borough.
The primary schools involved were: Buick Memorial Primary School, Gracehill Primary School, St Brigid’s Primary School, St Colmcille’s Primary School, Castle Tower Junior, Central Integrated Primary School and Seaview Primary School
The post primary schools involved were: St Killian’s College, Cullybackey College, Ballymena Academy, Roddensvale, Dunclug College, Slemish College, Cambridge House and Castle Tower Senior (School leavers)