Nikita Kravchenko, an 18-year-old originally from Chernihiv, Ukraine, has embarked on a remarkable journey marked by resilience and aspiration. His story began in Ukraine, where he lived with his family of four and nurtured a dream of moving abroad, particularly to an English-speaking country. His journey took an unexpected turn on 24th February 2022, when the war in Ukraine forced his family to make the difficult decision to leave their homeland.

After five months of enduring the hardships of war, Nikita and his family arrived in Ireland, where volunteers guided them to the welcoming city of Killarney. It was here that Nikita’s new life began. In September 2022, he enrolled in college and quickly immersed himself in his studies, gaining valuable skills and knowledge. Determined to find his first job, Nikita distributed his CV to various businesses in Killarney. His persistence paid off when the Randles Hotel, located in the heart of Killarney, offered him a position.

Tom Randles, the general manager of Randles Hotel, invited Nikita for an interview. Despite having no prior experience in the hospitality industry, Nikita’s enthusiasm and willingness to learn impressed Tom. He was offered a role working on the buffet, cleaning and occasionally assisting in the restaurant. Nikita embraced this opportunity with excitement and dedication, quickly proving himself to be a valuable team member.

As Nikita’s skills and confidence grew, he began taking on more responsibilities, including taking orders and working night shifts. Under the mentorship of Aziz Wahab, the restaurant manager, Nikita learned a great deal about the hospitality industry. Aziz’s guidance and support were instrumental in Nikita’s development, helping him improve his skills and gain valuable experience.

Six months ago, Nikita’s dream of working in a kitchen became a reality when Aziz offered him a kitchen shift. With some prior cooking experience, Nikita excelled in this new role. Under the tutelage of Mike, the head chef, he learned everything from the perfect frying temperature for chicken to essential food safety practices. Nikita’s responsibilities in the kitchen included preparing pizzas, desserts, and salads, and he quickly mastered the entire menu.

Currently, Nikita balances his roles as both a waiter and a demi chef, gaining extensive experience in the hotel industry and honing his personal skills. Inspired by Tom Randles, Nikita decided to pursue a career in the hospitality industry and applied to Shannon College of Hotel Management. After completing his Leaving Certificate, he successfully secured a place at Shannon College.

Now in his first year at Shannon College, Nikita is thriving, gaining a wealth of knowledge and experience. He feels a strong sense of belonging as part of the Shannon family and looks forward to applying his skills and knowledge in the future. Nikita dreams of returning to Randles Hotel to showcase the expertise he has gained at Shannon College and during his placements abroad.

Nikita is deeply grateful to his aunt Irene, who provided him with a strong foundation in the English language and to Tom Randles and Aziz Wahab, who have been pivotal in his journey. Their support and mentorship have helped shape Nikita into the determined and skilled individual he is today.

Visit Randles Hotel Killarney’s website