Punchestown Festival offers 70 Wicklow students hospitality work experience
Combining community involvement, real-world skills training and local pride, the 'Elevate 2025 – Discovering the Heart of Irish Hospitality Excellence' programme will give St Kevin's transition year students invaluable experience, working with the army of chefs, kitchen, bar and floor staff that will serve up to 17,000 corporate hospitality guests.
The innovative pilot scheme is designed to immerse local TY students in the dynamic world of hospitality, equipping them with practical skills, confidence, and insight into premium food and beverage service – all set against the vibrant backdrop of the iconic Punchestown Festival, which takes place from April 29 to May 3.
The journey began in the classrooms of St. Kevin's and culminated in a live-service experience at Punchestown, where students worked side-by-side with seasoned hospitality professionals.
Over five weeks, 119 students took part in a hands-on training programme delivered by Sam Brancato, Aramark's standards and training business partner.
Praising the programme and St Kevin's students for their engagement, school principal Brian Doran said: 'There are exciting opportunities ahead for our TY students.
'As the students of St. Kevin's step confidently into their roles at Punchestown 2025, they carry with them not only new skills but also the pride of representing their community on an important stage.'
Beyond training and employment, Elevate 2025 fosters local pride by connecting young people and their families to one of Ireland's most celebrated sporting and social events. It showcases the hospitality industry not just as a vibrant career path, but as a source of essential life skills – from teamwork and communication to professionalism and adaptability.
The initiative has already garnered international interest, with Aramark leadership in the US watching closely as a potential model for rollout in American schools – a testament to the programme's quality and impact.
'We are incredibly proud to partner with Aramark and St. Kevin's on this meaningful project,' said Punchestown hospitality manager and Elevate founder Sue Wilson.
'What started out as a chat with a friend who teaches at the school has evolved into what could be a global template. Elevate 2025 is more than a programme – it's creating strong links in the local community, providing skills and experience that will stand to these young people wherever life may take them, it offers paid employment on a local level.'
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