Representatives from a range of Ballymena companies raised almost £10,000 for the NI Hospitality School by taking part in a Dragon Boat Race on the River Lagan in Belfast last week.

Companies involved in the fundraising included the McKeever Group, the Galgorm Collection, Tullyglass House Hotel, Britvic, and Smith Engineering.

The NI Hospitality School was established in 2021, with initial funding from The Gallaher Trust, as a collaboration between the Adair Arms Hotel, Galgorm Golf Resort and Spa, and Tullyglass House Hotel. Its mission is to improve skills development and employment opportunities in the local hospitality sector. The registered charity operates several academies, including a bar academy, a chef academy, and a restaurant academy. Since its inception, over 250 bar and restaurant staff have completed training, securing full-time employment and, in some cases, moving into supervisory and managerial roles within local hotels.

Ashley Douglas, Director of Operations at the NI Hospitality School, said the funds raised will go towards continuing and improving the current academies. She noted that the hospitality sector faces challenges in attracting and retaining skilled staff, and the School was created in response to this issue.

"Through our academies, we’re giving people practical training, developing their confidence and skills and providing a clear pathway to sustainable employment," she said.

Eddie McKeever, Chairman of the NI Hospitality School, praised the support from local companies, adding: "By equipping individuals with the right training and career opportunities, the School is helping to secure the future of our sector and ensuring that Ballymena continues to be recognised for its world-class hospitality."