An innovative training course designed to improve the skills of migrant workers in the tourism industry has produced its first graduates.
A group of 20 Slovakians and Latvians recently completed the course organised in Waterford by Fáilte Ireland and have taken up work in the sector.
The organisation says it hopes to train up to 150 migrants this year as part of a drive to provide a better-quality service to visitors. Training in culinary, food service and bar skills is being provided, as well as language tuition.
Fáilte Ireland is recruiting abroad, mostly in eastern Europe, for people who want to work in Ireland. Successful applicants are given a 14-week residential training course here, though they have to contribute to the cost of their air fare and upkeep.
"The industry has realised that if we're to access the kind of labour we need, we have to customise training to suit the needs of the employee and the marketplace," says John Mulcahy, director of skills training at Fáilte Ireland.
The initiative is one of a number aimed at helping migrant workers adapt to Ireland. In Co Kilkenny, the Mount Juliet Conrad will today present certificates in local language and culture to 21 employees from a dozen countries who have participated in the 10-week, part-time programme.
Triona Brangan, human resources manager, said the hotel had responded to requests from staff by devising a tailor-made course where employees learn about the area and are briefed on sport and culture.
The trainees are taught the correct usage of expressions such as "How's it goin'?", "Feck it" and "That's grand".