Limerick Youth Service Community Training Centre serves young learners the skills for success

Limerick Youth Service Restaurant Project helping young learners. Limerick Youth Service Community Training Centre was established in 1983 and is part of Limerick Youth Service an integrated Youth Service working with young people from Limerick City and County. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick.com

Young learners at Limerick Youth Service Community Training Centre are finding their passion for the hospitality industry through the Restaurant Project on Glentworth Street

Limerick Youth Service is providing a space for young learners at the Community Training Centre (CTC) to gain skills and experience in the hospitality industry through the Centre’s Restaurant Project.

Leah, a learner at the CTC, has found her passion for the hospitality industry through the Limerick Youth Service‘s project and is thriving since starting her course in 2025.

Having joined the Restaurant Project earlier this year, Leah has gained valuable experience in the professional setting at the Limerick Youth Service Cafe on Lower Glentworth Street. LEah said, “ I joined the CTC this year and I am really enjoying my time here. The restaurant is open to the public on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and we serve a breakfast and lunch menu along with tea, coffees, et cetera, and baked goods from our bakery project.”

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The Restaurant Project gives young learners like Leah the opportunity to gain practical hospitality experience through barista and table service training. The project is about more than serving customers as it also helps the young learners build confidence, develop their communication skills, and also gives them an insight into the hospitality industry.

 ”We offer table service, which is a great way to meet people, build on communication and customer service skills, and develop professional skills in the hospitality industry,” Leah explained, and highlighted the barista training which has given her an extra skill in the industry, saying, “I also developed barista skills, and this is a great skill to have, especially if looking for part-time work or moving on into full-time employment.”

With support from Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, learners like Leah have the opportunity to complete an eight-week City & Guilds Barista Skills Course at their Kilmallock Road Campus, adding another block of experience to the project.

Leah said,  ”Thanks to our funders, the Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, I’ll be doing an eight-week City and Guilds barista course in their Kilmallock Road Campus. I really enjoy what I am doing, and I’m glad I am part of the restaurant team. I would like to continue in the hospitality area once I move on from the centre.”

Leah also encouraged any other young learners who may have an interest in the hospitality industry to get involved. She said, “ If you want to develop skills and qualifications in the hospitality profession, then why not come to the Limerick Youth Service Training Centre and join our project? You won’t regret it.”

Supported by SOLAS and the ETBs, CTCs like Limerick Youth Service offer young people aged 16–21 the chance to train at their own pace with modern facilities and expert staff. Learners may also qualify for a training allowance.

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.

Pictures: Olena/ilovelimerick