Careers in Hospitality & Tourism will Recover

Although the pandemic caused by Covid-19 has caused a lot of uncertainty, the areas of Hospitality and Tourism have been earmarked as sectors where the Government see a promising return and they have recently backed this belief with a reduced VAT rate for the sector and other initiatives to aid in recovery.  It was this sector which the Government relied on to quickly bounce back after the last recession and it did not disappoint, producing 90,000 jobs leading to a workforce of 260,000 in the sector which generated over €9 Million.  Indeed, the Tourism and Hospitality Sector is the most important indigenous sector in Ireland and it plays a critical role in regional development and job generation.

The key is to gain a qualification now in this sector so that you are well-equipped to benefit when the recovery of the industry leads to a multitude of jobs.  And speaking of jobs, there is such a variety in this sector, with hotels, airlines, cruise ships, visitor attractions and the event industry – to name just a few- all who will be seeking qualified and experienced team members to assist them to grow.

Cork Institute of Technology will combine with the Institute of Technology Tralee in January 2021 to become the Munster Technological University (MTU).  A host of tourism and hospitality related courses are available on the Cork Campus, where Tourism and Hospitality boasts a dedicated building, with up-to-date practical facilities and an experienced team of lecturers who can equip you for a successful career in the sector.  Courses on offer include:

• The Bachelor of Business in Tourism Management
• The Bachelor of Business in Hospitality Management
• The Bachelor of Business in Culinary Arts
• The Bachelor of Business in Beverage Industry Management
• The Higher Certificate in Hospitality Studies
• The Higher Certificate in Culinary Studies

All of these courses combine practical skills with academic studies and students can gain hands-on experience in placements at home or abroad.  For those who have a greater leaning towards the practical side of things, the Department also offers a range of apprenticeship programmes in the Culinary space.  Further study opportunities are also available with evening courses and add-on programmes and research opportunities right up to PhD level.

In terms of apprenticeships where candidates can ‘earn and learn’ we offer the BA in Culinary Arts Chef de Partie Apprenticeship on a part-time basis, along with the BA in Culinary Arts National Sous Chef Apprenticeship.  The latter is ideally suited to chefs who have extensive experience, but would like to hold an honours degree and now is an ideal time to update these qualifications.

In terms of Springboard funded programmes, the Department offers a Certificate in Culinary Skills for those who want to embark on a career in kitchens.  This programme incorporates a work placement, which when combined with the student’s studies, prepares them to work in a modern kitchen environment.  Springboard funding is announced each year in May for the courses that are on offer the following September.

Graduates of the Tourism and Hospitality Department at Cork Institute of Technology have gone on to become successful Hotel General Managers, Executive Head Chefs, Event Directors, Senior Tourism Strategists and Entrepreneurs.  Some of the top hotels in Ireland are run by our graduates including Sheen Falls Lodge, The Brehon and Garryvoe Hotel and our graduates have even gone on to become celebrities and influencers – like Peter Kelly (Franc) and Trisha Lewis (Trisha’s Transformation).

Thinking about studying in the Tourism and Hospitality area? Simply contact us at [email protected] and we will be happy to discuss a suitable course to suit your needs.