Northern Ireland Tourism Alliance announces leading chef Niall McKenna as its first Apprenticeship Ambassador

The call is being launched on World Tourism Day, Sunday 27 September, as part of Tourism and Hospitality Week 2026.

Niall McKenna, of James Street and Waterman restaurants in Belfast, said the Ambassador initiative would help businesses across the sector discover the value of apprenticeships.

“We’re delighted to be the first employer to sign up to the scheme. Apprenticeships provide an important opportunity for businesses to develop talent and invest in the future of our industry. We have seen at first-hand what apprentices can bring to a business and we’re looking forward to sharing our experience.  

 “We have been recruiting apprentices since 2014 and value how they have shaped our in-house training.

“Apprenticeship Ambassadors will play an important role in advocating for high-quality, valuable apprenticeship experiences that benefit both the employer and apprentice,” added Mr McKenna.    

Developed by NITA’s Tourism Skills Forum, the Apprenticeship Ambassador network, will bring employers with apprenticeship experience together. There will be opportunities to share their stories through industry events and networking -
highlighting the importance of high-quality training, mentoring and support in creating a positive apprenticeship experience.

Martin Toner, Director of People and Culture at McKeever Hotels and member of the NITA Tourism Skills Forum, welcomed Niall McKenna as the first Apprenticeship Ambassador.  

“Niall has a long-standing commitment to developing people and skills within our industry and is a great example of the leadership we want our Ambassadors to provide.

“At the McKeever Group, we have invested in apprenticeships from craft right up to management level.  Employing over 600 people, apprenticeships have been a fundamental part of how we have built and grown our workforce.  

“Sharing that experience with other businesses can help remove some of the uncertainty around apprenticeships and give employers the confidence to take that first step.  This initiative is about learning from each other and working together to develop the talent our industry needs for the future,” added Mr Toner.

NITA is now inviting tourism employers with experience of apprenticeships to join the Ambassador network and help inspire the next generation of talent.
To find out more about becoming an Apprenticeship Ambassador, visit www.nitourismalliance.com.  

To submit an Expression of Interest, register here: https://nitourismalliance.com/become-ambassador-form/

The deadline for employer expressions of interest is 23rd October 2026 

Media enquiries:
info@nitourismalliance.com