WHO DIDN’T WANT to manage a football team when they were younger? It’s a dream that many of us held and Finn Lyons was no different. We chatted to Finn about his career aspirations and his current role at the Guinness Storehouse to find out more about his day-to-day life working in the capital’s bustling tourism industry.

Admittedly, his focus did switch from on-the-pitch to pulling a pint! But his career passion is still plain to see.

There are a number of support organisations for people with disabilities throughout the country to prepare people for work and link them with employers in the tourism sector, many who have initiatives in place to provide opportunities for all. Finn took part in the Learning for Life course with Diageo’s Business and Hospitality Skills Programme after his mentors at Open Doors Initiative and Chime’s Explore Mentoring Programme saw that it could be a good fit for him. The course focuses on those who are seeking employment but may have faced barriers to education and employment in their lives.

Providing equal access to skills and resources to increase participants’ employability, improve livelihoods and support a thriving tourism sector that works for all.  Finn’s mother, Daire Ryan, explains the impact Finn’s career trajectory has had: 

From my perspective, Finn getting a job in the Guinness Storehouse has been such a positive experience. It has not just built his confidence but also given him much more independence. Travelling to and from work independently, and most of all being treated as a peer by his colleagues. 

We wanted to find out more from Finn about what excites him about his job, and any advice he might have for people wanting to enter the tourism industry. 

When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?

When I was small I wanted to grow up to be the manager of the German football team! 

 What’s your job now and what does a typical day look like for you?

I work in the Guinness Storehouse Visitor Experience team. When I arrive to work, I clock in, meet my manager and they tell me where I am working for the day. I usually work in the STOUTie Bar, where customers get their picture put onto a pint of Guinness. I take the visitor’s tickets, then I take their picture and print it on the head of the pint of Guinness. I clear away the glasses, put them on the tray for glass washer. 

What kind of education/training did you undergo for your current position?

 I did the Diageo Learning For Life course. I really liked it. 

 What skills do you possess that make you a right fit for the job you’re in?

 I am good at pulling a pint. I really like talking to the visitors and my friends in work.

What excites you most about the work you do?

I like to meet the visitors and help them to enjoy their visit. 

If you could give others one piece of career advice what would it be? 

Find a course that you like, it might help you get a job.

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is celebrated each year on 3 December. Finn’s story shows how individuals, industries and society at large are enriched when everyone is given the supports they need to thrive. You can learn more here.

If you want to find out more about building stronger and more inclusive workplaces, check out Fáilte Ireland’s Recruitment Toolkit.

Discover exciting career opportunities in tourism, visit tourismcareers.ie.