Patrick highlights Canadian opportunities for Irish staff

A CARRIGALINE man working in Canada’s top ski resort is encouraging Irish students to consider joining him in the country’s hospitality industry and avail of its ‘amazing opportunities.’

Patrick Shields is general manager of The Sutton Place Hotel at Revelstoke Mountain Resort, Canada’s Number one Ski Resort 2016. 

‘Having only moved from Ireland in July 2017 ,not knowing what was ahead of me and following a period of training, I was offered this amazing opportunity. Recently I met Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau who was staying on vacation with us with his family,’ he said. 

The Carrigaline man will be in Cork Institute of Technology for their Hospitality Careers Day on March 9th, to provide a link to students to work placements in Canada. He will also meet students at GMIT, Waterford IT and Dublin IT.

Peter who attended Carrigaline Community School, was most recently general manager of Midleton Park Hotel as well as deputy general manager of the Carlton Hotel & C Spa Kinsale (now known as the Macdonald Kinsale Hotel & Spa) and deputy general manager of Carrigaline Court Hotel.

‘Revelstoke Accommodation Association have asked me to travel to Ireland to speak at colleges around the country about the opportunities in this city. This year Canada has released 10,000 extra working holiday visas and Irish people between the ages of 18 and 35 can apply for a two year work visa. The city of Revelstoke love the work ethic, temperament and attitude of young Irish workers and I will be recruiting for all of the hospitality businesses in the city. The aim is to create the link that has not previously been there for young people to have an interview and job offer before they even arrive and also to promote an area outside of the major metropolitan centres,’ he said.

Patrick said it was a great honour to meet Prime Minister Trudeau and his family recently: ‘The Prime Minister knew me by my first name before I had introduced myself to him which was a humbling experience. His family are so nice and approachable. I have felt so welcome in this country since arriving last summer and that was a very special and unforgettable moment for me.’

He said there were ‘many wonderful opportunities for young Irish people throughout the City of Revelstoke in every possible area of hospitality you can think of. Please feel free to forward your CV to [email protected] and we can set you up with hospitality businesses in Revelstoke and interviews before you travel.’