Kare launches new 'Project Pathways' traineeship in partnership with Midlands Park Hotel
- Kare
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
We are delighted to announce the launch of Project Pathways, a new employment programme in partnership with Midlands Park Hotel, providing work experience for young adults with intellectual disabilities.
Through Project Pathways, trainees rotate across key hotel departments including Conference, Charter Bar and Eatery, Accommodation and Health and Fitness Club, enabling them to build confidence, skills and experience in a workplace setting. The initiative began in early November at the hotel in Portlaoise and will run until August 2026.
Celine, one of the new trainees, shared her experience so far, saying that she loves being part of the project and is really enjoying learning new skills and meeting new people. She also said that all the staff in the hotel are friendly and fun to work with.
The programme is part of our 'Stepping Stones to Employment' project, which is co-funded by the Government of Ireland, through the Department of Social Protection, and the European Union as part of the WorkAbility: Inclusive Pathways to Employment Programme. We will support four participants this year, with the aim of expanding the programme to five places annually.
The Midlands Park Hotel already employs two individuals supported by Kare, and this new programme builds on the strong partnership between both organisations.
Saoirse O'Connor from the hotel's HR department commented: "We have been delighted to partner with Project Pathways and to welcome three work experience participants into our team. From day one, they have integrated seamlessly, contributing with confidence and enthusiasm – you would easily think they have been valued team members for years.
"This collaboration truly reflects our core values. We are passionate about fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels supported, respected and empowered to succeed. Working alongside Project Pathways has reinforced the importance of creating meaningful opportunities and embracing diverse talents, perspectives, and strengths. We are incredibly grateful for this partnership and excited to continue working together to build a workplace that champions inclusion, growth and mutual respect."
Kare CEO, Margaret O'Neill, also welcomed the programme and the partnership behind it: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Midlands Park Hotel and really value their commitment to creating an inclusive place where people can learn and grow. Project Pathways is a great example of what happens when organisations come together with a clear purpose. It gives young adults with intellectual disabilities the space to build skills and confidence, and it brings real benefits to the workplaces that welcome them. ”
We look forward to building on this collaboration and supporting more young adults to access meaningful, community-based work experience in the years ahead.
