

Education
WATCH Young learners serving success at Limerick Youth Service Kitchen Project
Limerick Youth Service Community Training Centre learner Caitie says she “really enjoyed the kitchen project”. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick.com
Young learners at the Limerick Youth Service Community Training Centre have the ingredients for success through the kitchen project giving them the skills to kickstart a career in catering

The Limerick Youth Service Community Training Centre (CTC) gives young learners the chance to experience the classroom and a workplace environment, as well as giving them the tools to pursue a future in catering.
Caitie, one dedicated Limerick Youth Service CTC learner, is nearing the end of her Kitchen Project journey toward a QQI Level 4 Pathway to Employment major award, which Caitie says was like “learning on the job” as she gained valuable experience in the mixed-learning environment.
Caitie said, “Being part of the kitchen project is like learning on the job, as we are open to the public three days a week. From a fully industrial kitchen on Mondays and Fridays, we go to classes in the CTC and work towards our QQI major award. This can be at level three or four, depending on what stage we are at in our course.
Each week, learners like Caitie operate a fully industrial kitchen open to the public three days a week, where they prepare homemade meals from soups to lasagnas and freshly made brown bread,d giving young learners hands-on practical experience as well as academic education.
Speaking about her learning experience through the kitchen project, Caitie told I Love Limerick, “ I’m almost finished my QQI level four pathway to employment major award, and have completed modules such as communications, math, computers, and work experience, et cetera. I have also finished my catering module in breakfast, cookery, and short-order cooking. And I’m happy with what I achieved. I really enjoyed the kitchen project.”
Through the project, Caitie has learned some valuable skills to enable her to pursue a future in catering, she explains she has learned about “food safety, food preparation, and general catering skills”.

The experience goes beyond the classroom and working kitchen, as Caitie explained, “I’m going on a work placement over the summer period, which is a part of all the courses we do here in CTC, and it is a great chance to be part of the working world.”
For those interested in a future in catering, Caitie encourages them to consider the programme, saying, “ If you want to develop skills and qualifications in the catering profession, then why not come to Limerick Youth Service Community Training Centre and join our project. You won’t regret it.”
The Limerick Youth Service Community Training Centre is supported by the Limerick & Clare Education & Training Board and is co-funded by the Irish Government and the European Social Fund. LYS is a leading provider of youth work, education, training and volunteering opportunities for young people.
As a member of Youth Work Ireland and the Irish Association of Community Training Organisations, Limerick Youth Service remains committed to connecting with young people and supporting them in reaching their full potential.
The Limerick Youth Service Community Training Centre is located at Lower Glentworth Street and is a leading provider of further education and training for opportunities for young people.
Find out more and express your interest in the Catering Skills Course here
Pictures: Olena/ilovelimerick