DOING THE BUSINESS: Donegal Daily in conjunction with the ETB will be profiling a number of individuals and businesses who have successfully graduated from one of the many training programmes ETB has to offer.
As the ETB launch their latest diverse range of courses, Donegal Daily spoke with Hugh Hunter, owner of the hugely popular business Eco Atlantic-Adventures, which is located in beautiful Mulroy Bay.
Hugh will celebrate his first year in business next month, and he credits the programmes he completed at both the ETB training centre and FAS as helping him on his way to starting and sustaining his own company.
Eco Atlantic-Adventures specialize in providing family packages, which consist of a range of activities including kayaking, adventure races and hill-climbing.
Hugh told Donegal Daily, “I launched my own company last October, and I’ve been very happy with how things have progressed so far, the weather could have been better, but it was a good first year in business.
“The peak season is really between June and July, as that’s when the kids are off school, so we had families avail of the diverse packages we had on offer during that period.
“I’m still establishing myself, but it was good to get my name out there, and I’m confident and hopeful that I can continue to grow the business. Heading into the winter season, things will get quieter, but I’m planning on hosting a series of boot-camps and personal training programmes over the next number of weeks and months.”
Hugh completed a full time Fitness Instructor course at FAS, before embarking on the Outdoor Pursuits course with the ETB training centre. He then studied Sports Development at LYIT before participating in the ETB Surf Instructor and Beach Lifeguard course in Bundoran.
Hugh credits the courses as hugely beneficial in terms of professional and ‘personal development’, and said the contacts and relationships he developed with other outdoor adventure centres during placement – made his transition into owning his own outdoor adventure business easier as a result.
I found it hugely helpful, and the courses are engaging and really give you the skills set required when starting your own business.”
Donegal ETB training centre are currently recruiting for their programs in Fitness Instructor, Outdoor Pursuits and Surf Instructor similar to the programs that Hugh completed.
For further information on these programs and others contact Sarah on 074-9120542:
