Countdown To Opening Day For Belfast's Latest Hotel

As Belfast's latest hotel makes final preparation for opening on Monday next - as part of an overall £100 million Saint Anne's Square development - the city's first citizen has been welcoming both the Ramada Encore's arrival and has greeted its latest member of staff.

Lord Mayor Tom Hartley joined General Manager Jim Mingle to congratulate Rachel Gordon - a successful graduate of a Belfast City Council-backed training programme.

The HARTE (Hospitality and Retail Training for Employment) programme was initiated in January 2009 to target the long-term unemployed by providing job training opportunities in the hospitality and retail sectors.

Councillor Hartley said: "I am delighted to congratulate Rachel on completing the HARTE programme and gaining employment with the new Ramada Encore.

"In addition to gaining qualifications and personal development training, all participants who successfully complete the programme are guaranteed an interview with a local employer for current vacancies.

"Rachel's appointment also represents a new beginning for her as is the opening of the new Ramada Encore Hotel for Belfast."

The new addition to the the fast-growing Belfast Cathedral Quarter, the Ramada Encore hotel opens on 6 April and represents an investment of over £20 million and will create 60 new jobs.

Rachel, from Tennent Street, Belfast, was among 53 participants who completed the inaugural training programme in February and March, which is jointly funded by Belfast City Council and the European Social Fund programme and supported by the Department of Employment and Learning.

The training is delivered by Time Associates, Gems and Belfast Metropolitan College.

Ramada Encore General Manager, Jim Mingle, said: "I was delighted to have been asked to contribute to the HARTE programme as a speaker and was really struck by the enthusiasm and interest shown by the participants.

"Ramada Encore is a rather different brand within the Ramada portfolio in terms of its staff as we look for people with the right personality for the hospitality sector rather than people with years of experience.

"We believe that as long as people have a positive attitude and a great personality then skills can be taught. Rachel ticks all the boxes and we are confident that she will really enjoy her new career with us."

See: £100m St Anne's Square 'Well Advanced'

(BMcC)