Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has teamed up with Northern Regional College to deliver another free training programme for any keen Mid and East Antrim residents to become qualified Level 2 tour guides.
With City Deal developments for Carrickfergus and The Gobbins now in full swing, the anticipated increase in tourists will create a demand for more on-the-ground professionals to deliver exceptional tourism experiences.
The free programme will enable locals from Mid and East Antrim to become qualified tour guides - helping boost visitors to the local area and help prepare for future City Deal growth projects within the Borough.
The OCN NI Level 2 Award in Tour Guiding (QCF) qualification has been designed to provide the learner with skills in the travel and tourism industry to enable them to develop a tour commentary and lead groups on a guided tour.
This training course is open to all Mid and East Antrim residents, but should the course be oversubscribed - preference will be given to those resident or prepared to offer tours in the Carrickfergus area.
The course will run for eight morning sessions commencing Wednesday 18 September 2024 in Carrickfergus with completion by Wednesday 13 November 2024.
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Beth Adger MBE, said:
“Growing the economy and developing our tourism potential are two key strategic priorities for Council. For that reason, we are delighted to work in partnership with Northern Regional College to provide this course to help ensure that local communities and the hospitality/tourism industry all have the skills and support needed to grow and make the most of future opportunities.
“Mid and East Antrim has some of the most beautiful and scenic land and seascapes in Northern Ireland, from the River Bann in the west, to the stunning Causeway Coastal Route in the east and the beautiful Glens of Antrim. It’s an area rich in culture and heritage, which can truly be brought to life by these welcoming tour guides.
“With our transformational Belfast Region City Deal plans continuing to progress at pace with the recent Carrickfergus Regeneration consultation event; the Contract for Funding for Phase II of the Gobbins and the recent consultation on the innovative plans for a new leisure, health and wellbeing centre based at the St Patrick’s Regeneration site - it’s essential we encourage enthusiastic locals from across the Borough to become qualified tour guides to help boost visitors to the area and visit these amazing attractions. Visitors will benefit from their local knowledge of culture and heritage, which enriches their awareness and understanding, and gives them the opportunity to learn things they could never find in a guidebook.”
The course is free, lasts 8 weeks and places are limited to 12 people.
If you’re interested simply complete the online application form here.
The deadline for return of completed application forms is 9am on Monday 19 August 2024.
This programme is funded by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council in partnership with Northern Regional College.