On Friday 21 October, the NI Travel News team were in attendance as the event media partner for FIRST ever ITT Future You ‘On The Road’ Event hosted in Belfast Metropolitan College. The event saw the college’s Titanic Quarter Campus welcome hundreds of Travel and Tourism students from across Northern Ireland, for an immersive careers in Travel and Tourism day.
The ITT Future You Career Expo was hosted by Belfast Metropolitan College and organised by Belfast Met’s Events Management Students along with their lecturer, Cate Murdock.
Students and apprentices were treated to an array of guest speakers, who provided valuable insight into their own career path and tips on how to become involved in the Travel and Tourism industry. The line-up of guest speakers provided guidance and inspiration for those seeking to kick-start their career within the sector.
Claire Steiner, Chairperson of ITT captured the importance of the First ITT Future You ‘On the Road’ event in Belfast. Claire Steiner highlighted, “I can’t tell you how excited we’ve been. This is such an amazing area of the United Kingdom and I know how important tourism is to Northern Ireland. So for us to be able to bring Future You to hopefully inspire the young people of Belfast and the surrounding areas to really pursue a career in Tourism, Travel and Hospitality is fundamental.”
The guest speakers in included:
- Eimear Callaghan: Tourism Northern Ireland
- Michael Dalton: MICDrop
- Stephen Meldrum: Hastings Hotels
- Danny Waine: ABTA/ ITT Future You
- Jacqueline Green & Matt Godman: Contiki
Following an informative session of guest speakers, attendees had the opportunity to hear from some Belfast Metropolitan College Alumni who have recently become involved in the Travel/Tourism/Hospitality and Events Sector. The Alumni Panel detailed how their course equipped them with the skills and resources for a career within the industry.
The Alumni Panel included :
- Paula Hayes: Grow Consultancy.
- Lauren Willis: The Regency.
- Marc Dallas: Grand Opera House, Belfast.
- Ruth Flynn: Visit Belfast.
Then it was exhibition time! After the speakers and alumni panel, students were able to engage and connect with some local companies and brands within the NI Travel/Tourism and Hospitality Sector. Just some of the exhibitors included Oasis Travel, ICC Belfast, George Best City Airport, Galgorm, Titanic Belfast, Titanic Distillers, and many more!
