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Tourism careers built on training and trust

Ballyhass Adventure Group, Elbow Lane Brew and Smoke House, and Adare Manor each took part in Fáilte Ireland's Employer Excellence Programme. Each story shows how training, trust and support can help people build careers in tourism.

Meet three people whose careers were shaped by the Employer Excellence Programme. 

Tourism in Ireland isn't one industry. It's many. Elaine O'Riordan manages human resources at an adventure centre in Cork. Ronan Sharpe runs a restaurant and brewery in Cork city. Alex Brislane organises weddings at one of Ireland's most celebrated hotels in Limerick.

Elaine O'Riordan, Ballyhass Adventure Group

Elaine O'Riordan is Senior HR Manager at Ballyhass Adventure Group, a Co Cork-based organisation. It employs 130 people across its two activity centres during peak summer season. Those centres are near Mallow and in Coachford.

O'Riordan joined as Assistant Manager and built her career within the business. O'Riordan values the flexibility and scope the role gives her. She enjoys the variety of the job, where no two days feel the same.

Ballyhass also gave her time to complete a degree in at Griffith College, Cork.

I fell in love with the role and fell in love with the company. There was flexibility and scope for hobbies and family life.

Elaine O'Riordan, Ballyhass Adventure Group

Ronan Sharpe, Elbow Lane Brew and Smoke House

Ronan Sharpe joined Market Lane group as Assistant Manager. He now works as General Manager at Elbow Lane Brew and Smoke House in Cork city.

The nano brewery and restaurant forms part of the Market Lane group, which Sharpe says identifies talent and leadership skills. From the start, Market Lane group trusted Sharpe and assigned him a mentor. That support gave him guidance as he progressed.

He sees tourism and hospitality as a profession where people can progress quickly with the right attitude.

From the outset they trusted me and assigned me a mentor. If ever I had a problem or a question, I could go to her at any time of the day or night.

Ronan Sharpe, Elbow Lane Brew and Smoke House

Alex Brislane, Adare Manor

Alex Brislane is Senior Wedding Manager at Adare Manor, Co Limerick.

Her interest in events began in transition year, when she organised a fashion show at school. The experience inspired her to explore event management as a career, and her father helped her research courses that could support that path.

Alex completed a three-year course in Event Management and Public Relations at Atlantic Technological University Galway. During a work placement, she travelled to Dubai and spent time at Thomond Park, home of Munster rugby. She completed the final year of her degree in Business and Event Management at Technological University of the Shannon in Limerick.

Alex describes Adare Manor as a place where management encourages people every day. She values the training and teamwork behind the guest experience. She finds reward in helping people bring important moments to life.

It's so rewarding bringing people's visions to life and working in a happy environment.

Alex Brislane, Adare Manor

Training and trust help tourism careers grow

Ballyhass Adventure Group, Elbow Lane Brew and Smoke House, and Adare Manor work across different parts of tourism. One thing they all share is that businesses that invest in people build stronger teams and better careers.

Elaine, Ronan and Alex each progressed because their employers supported their development. These stories show what consistent investment in people can look like in practice.

Build a workplace where people can grow

The next great tourism career can start in your business. Build a team that grows with your business. Access tools, training and support designed for tourism employers.