On Thursday 11th May I.T. Tralee hosted over 100 transition year students and their teachers from all over Kerry region. Each of the students received inaugural certificates acknowledging their completion of the 'Tourism Insight' online programme.

Formally launched in 2016, the programme was developed in partnership with the Irish Hospitality Institute (IHI), Fáilte Ireland, the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF), I.T Tralee and other industry business support. Tourism Insight, is an interactive online programme available free online for anyone interested in pursuing a career in Tourism and Hospitality. 

Castleisland Community College

Mercy Secondary School, Mounthawk

Presentation Secondary School, Listowel

St Michaels College, Listowel

It responds to a national need to present the industry as one which offers serious career options with good career prospects and transferable skills. In order to gain their certificates, students participated in a series of online learning units featuring interactive tutorials and interviews with young people working in tourism in Ireland. They learned all about this exciting business, what it means to the country, what’s going on in the tourism industry in their region, how tourism is promoted around the world, why tourists come here and what they really love about their visit. In addition the programme also offers a link to international competitions from GTTP (Global Travel Tourism Partnership) where a school will represent Ireland at the world stage.

The programme has been praised by career guidance teachers and very much supported by the IGC and through continued collaboration, it is hoped that more schools all over the country will participate next year and beyond.

Quoting one teacher – Stella O’Shea from Mercy Secondary School, Mounhawk stated: “The Tourism Insight Programme unveiled a whole new range of career prospects to TY students who hadn’t formerly considered a career in Tourism. The Programme is well structured and clear and our students found it extremely user friendly and engaging.  A must for all TY Students” she concluded.

As co-founders of the programme Mary Rose Stafford IT Tralee and Natasha Kinsella, Regional Skills, both took the opportunity to congratulate all students as the inaugural group to receive certificates on competition of the programme and urged them as they continue their journey and make career choices to seriously consider the Tourism Sector.