One of the Most Enjoyable Times Ever!
Over the years Marble Arch Caves have enjoyed hosting students on work experience and watching them progress through their studies and career journeys. Last week we were delighted to be joined by Holly who is currently studying for her A-Levels at Mount Lourdes. Holly spent three days with the team on a student work placement getting to grips with the inner workings of the tourist attraction. This included working with the various departments to see how the business operates, how the development of education programmes and new events is key to standing out, and how Visitor Services plays an important role in engaging and connecting with our customers.
Holly was very kind in offering to write a short blog about her time with us;
“I’m Holly and I attend Mount Lourdes in Enniskillen. From the 3rd to the 7th of February I came here for my work experience. I study Geography, History and Life and Health Sciences
On my first day I was greeted with the Cuilcagh Boardwalk. I walked all the way to the top with Ranger Kate who was taking her report on the mountain and the state of the boardwalk itself. On the way back down the mountain we litter picked which allows the public to enjoy the boardwalk in all its glory. After that I joined Paddy on his cave tour which gave me insight as to how the guides take their tours. To end my first day, I helped Kate with a supply order.
On my second day I started with learning how Chris works with schools to plan educational trips and what all they offer at the caves in terms of education. I was showed around the education facilities and when we were at the classroom Chris showed me some of the fieldwork equipment used here for their fieldwork studies. I then helped at reception where Dawn took me through the day to day workings in the reception area. I helped by counting tills, pricing merchandise and cleaning. To finish the day, I helped Kate and Daragh measure gates and fencing along the avenue which needed to be replaced.
On my final day I started the day by going with Kate to test a fire hydrant. We then went up to Killykeeghan where we emptied the bins and did the looped walk to check if there were any major problems that needed fixed. After that I went on another guided cave tour this time with Megan who cave me a clearer overview of how a guided tour would go.
I would say my work experience at the Marble Arch Caves has been one of the most enjoyable times ever! It helped me so much in terms of my schoolwork and to be honest it has helped massively with how sociable I can be. The team are amazing and so easy to get along with and they have been so welcoming and its been such a privilege working alongside them.”
– Holly
We’d like to wish Holly all the very best with her studies, particularly in the sciences, and we see a bright future and career path ahead. Good luck, and hopefully we’ll see you apply to come work with us again in future.
See some of Holly’s Photographs below;
