Rory's Journey Towards Career Success at Lough Erne Resort

Rory McGurn is a young man from Enniskillen who started with Now Connects in September 2021. He was among the first participants that joined when Now Connects opened in Fermanagh House, Enniskillen.

When Rory joined NOW Group he was keen to work in the retail sector. He had been attending interviews, but unfortunately hadn’t received any job offers. When meeting with Rory we spoke about soft skills and support for interviews. Rory was keen to get started and develop his interview skills.

Through Now Connects Rory took part in sessions with Aisling and Louise where they focused on healthy eating and lifestyles, ICT, developing confidence and self-esteem, and much more. In October 2021 he also started Retail Academy where he was supported by his employment officer Megan Murphy. Rory decided to apply for a role in McDonalds and with help from Megan he was successful. Alongside his job, Rory still attended Now Connects as he was enjoying the sessions and found them beneficial.

Rory decided to take part in LOAF Academy, Now Group’s accredited hospitality and catering course, as he had experience within catering through his job role in McDonalds. Loaf Academy is a 12-week theory and practical course that was funded by the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council. The course was delivered in Enniskillen, and it was here that Rory and a group of others completed various training modules within the catering and hospitality sector.

Soon after Rory started attending Job Club on a Monday with Megan and Louise as he felt that the role in McDonalds was quite demanding and was interested in applying for jobs elsewhere. Megan has previously established a relationship with the staff in the Lough Erne resort where two of her participants have secured jobs. She suggested to Rory that there might be a job vacancy there that would more suitable for him. Megan organised a work trial at Lough Erne Resort for Rory where he was successful and secured a job. He was offered a position as banqueting staff and started working there in April 2022.

Rory is now happily working in the Lough Erne resort and is supported through our Workable programme. The workable programme provides Rory continued support throughout his employment.