Hospitality superstars honoured at Springboard Awards for Excellence 2024
Twenty winners of the Springboard Awards for Excellence 2024 have been announced at a prestigious ceremony hosted by comedian Simon Brodkin at the InterContinental Park Lane.
Delivered in partnership with headline sponsor IHG, the awards celebrated those that have gone above and beyond to grow their organisations, look after their people and champion the industry.
The evening began with the Fiona Colley Trainee of the Year Award, sponsored by Savoy Educational Trust. Winner Sophie Pace-Balzan was recognised for showing tenacity and passion to overcome challenges which had previously prevented her from finding employment.
Steve Munkley, David Mulcahy and Brian Turner received the Chris Beaumont Outstanding Achievement Award to honour their 25 years of support for the FutureChef school cooking competition and supporting the next generation of culinary talent.
Eden Hotel Collection, Rare Restaurants and Z Hotels were also double winners on the night, while Sodexo scooped the new Partner of the Year award.
The 2024 Awards for Excellence raised a total of £175,310 for the Springboard Charity through sponsorship, tickets sales and fundraising on the night.
Chris Gamm, chief executive of Springboard, said: “In congratulating the winners of the Springboard Awards for Excellence, we recognise the remarkable achievements within the hospitality industry. These awards create a brilliant occasion for us to come together and acknowledge the outstanding contributions of our industry highlighting their exceptional successes and highly talented teams.
“Once again, the support in the room for the finalists and winners was outstanding. The InterContinental Park Lane has provided us with the perfect setting to be together, offer our congratulations and to celebrate the greatness of our industry. The more than £175,000 raised was a record for the event and will help an enormous number of people gain news skills and secure work in the hospitality industry.”
THE SPRINGBOARD AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE 2024 WINNERS:
Fiona Colley Trainee of the Year Award – sponsored by Savoy Educational Trust
Sophie Pace-Balzan
Best Recruitment Initiative Award – sponsored by Caterer.com
Z Hotels
Best Apprenticeship Strategy Award – sponsored by HIT Training
Greene King
Employee Engagement Award – sponsored by Boyes Turner
Eden Hotel Collection
Best Training Programme Award – sponsored by Blastness
Leonardo Hotels
Career Development Initiative Award – sponsored by Diageo
RARE Restaurants
Best Use of Technology Award – sponsored by MAPAL Group
The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences
Talent Development Team of the Year Award – sponsored by Hospitality Jobs UK
Z Hotels
Employee Health and Wellbeing Award – sponsored by Hand Picked Hotels
Eden Hotel Collection
Community Engagement Award – sponsored by 5 Hertford Street & Oswald’s
Aurora Foxes
Disability Champion Award – sponsored by Sodexo
Hilton
Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Award – sponsored by CH&CO
RARE Restaurants
Best Education and Industry Partnership Award – sponsored by San Carlo
Academy by Simon Rogan
Sustainable Business Award – sponsored by Franke Coffee Systems
Apex Hotels
Springboard Ambassador of the Year – sponsored by BaxterStorey
Kyle Basnett, Gusto Restaurants
Best Employer Award – sponsored by Coca-Cola Europacific Partners
The Belfry Hotel & Resort
Partner of the Year – sponsored by IHG Hotel & Resorts
Sodexo
Chris Beaumont Outstanding Contribution Award – sponsored by Bidfood
Steve Munkley
David Mulcahy
Brian Turner
24 courageous trekkers fundraise in support of Springboard
In April, 24 fantastic trekkers will be embarking on the journey of a lifetime, as they venture to Cambodia, all in support of Springboard.
Our trekkers will be setting off on a 100km trek through the Cambodian Wilds, from Siem Reap to Wat Preash Bat Bun Tham, to Kulen Mountain, and finally Angkor Wat for a sunrise to remember. Before the Trek sets off, they will aid in constructing eco bungalows in and around Siem Reap to enable those living there to benefit from easy access to careers in the city’s flourishing tourism and hospitality industry.
As part of their fundraising, our trekkers have been getting innovative when it comes to their methods! From Quiz Nights to Supper Clubs, to Cambodian Steet Food Stalls – you name it!
Take a look at what our trekkers have been up to…
We are incredibly grateful for the support of our trekkers, and their determination to conquer this incredible challenge. Below is a full list of our 2024 trekkers. If you would like to show your support to our trekkers and help us continue to futureproof the talent pipeline for hospitality, then please click their name to follow through to their JustGiving page.
We’ll be sharing some highlights from our trekkers adventure over the 13 days they spend in Cambodia, so make sure you’re following us on social media to keep up to date with what they get up to!
Reese Ventura named 2024 Champion of Springboard FutureChef
© Jane Henderson Photography
Reese Ventura, 15 years old from St Philomena’s Catholic School for Girls in London, has been crowned the 25th champion of Springboard FutureChef, a competition to find the UK’s best young chef, beating more than 13,000 students from 515 schools.
The national final took place yesterday (Monday 18 March) at Westminster Kingsway College in London, with 12 talented school children from across the UK battling it out for the top spot.
During the final stage of the competition, the competitors had 2 hours and 45 minutes to prepare a main course and dessert for a panel of industry-leading judges including Adam Handling, Chantelle Nicholson, Graeme Cheevers and Kerth Gumbs.
Since winning her regional heat in London, Reese has worked with her mentor Chef Franky Fernandes, Executive Chef at London Marriott Hotel Park Lane, to hone her skills and create dishes that wowed the judges in every round, which included a main of mushroom stuffed chicken ballotine with caramelised cauliflower, fondant potato, purple sprouting broccoli, butternut squash and tarragon jus – and a deconstructed tiramisu consisting of cannoli, chocolate whipped ganache and coffee jelly.
Taking the crown, Reese will now receive ongoing support, development, and apprenticeship opportunities from Springboard, including the chance to have her recipes published.
On being crowned the Champion, Reese said: “I want to pinch myself to see if it’s real…I can’t believe I made it here. Even yesterday, people were asking me ‘do you want to be a chef?’ and I didn’t know. But since winning, it’s a sign to go into hospitality, and it will help me in the future.”
Head Judge and Michelin starred restaurateur Adam Handling said: “Reese’s attention to detail on every part of her components, in terms of seasoning and execution, was quite wonderful. Everything she did met the brief and beyond – so very well done.”
David Mulcahy, FutureChef Chairman and Food Innovation and Sustainability Director at Sodexo UK & Ireland, said: “Reese stepped above everybody else. It was a fantastic competition. 12 very, very close people in terms of their abilities. I can’t believe that a 14, 15, 16 year old can cook to that level, at that age. And she’s a worthy winner, but a tough competition – and what a great 25th celebration.”
Reese’s mentor, Franky Fernandes, said: “from Day one I believed in her. The first time I saw her cook I knew she would go a long way. And the important thing was, I knew she had that respect, the dedication, the commitment to learn, and it’s very easy to coach someone who has that passion.”
“She put in a lot of effort coming after school, long hours and travelling. She’s a little shy and I told her – you can use this as your strength. My advice for Reese was to be calm, composed and always have a plan B. We worked on simple elements, respecting the ingredients and cooking it to perfection. I think that’s the key for success. I think I can see her in the MasterChef Finals one day.”
© Jane Henderson Photography
Now in its 25th year, Springboard FutureChef has supported more than 225,000 young people, teaching them how to cook, developing their skills and inspiring them to go on to work in some of the UK’s very best kitchens.
Previous FutureChef winners and finalists include 2023 MasterChef champion Tom Hamblet from South Lodge, and 2023 Roux Scholarship winner April Lily Partridge from the Ledbury.
As part of the 25th anniversary celebrations, April Lily Partridge won the Outstanding Achievement Award in the inaugural FutureChef Alumni Awards. Others collecting Alumni Awards, include 2023 FutureChef national finalist Amber Rissmann, who won the Future Talent Award, and Hayley Cancea, 2013 FutureChef champion, who won the Services to Springboard Award.
Chris Gamm, chief executive of Springboard, said: “Congratulations to Reese and all 12 finalists, as well as April, Amber and Hayley who were the first three winners of FutureChef Alumni Awards. The standard this year was exceptionally high, and the future is looking bright for our industry. Over the past 25 years, FutureChef is proud to have supported more than 225,000 young people, inspiring them to get cooking and consider a career in hospitality and the culinary arts.”
The two FutureChef runner-ups were Iris Bedford, 13 years old, from Rodillian Academy, Leeds, representing the North East, and Freya Barrett, 15 years old, from Penrice Academy, Cornwall, representing the South West region.
Barrett also received the Brian Turner ‘Award for Taste’ by FutureChef Lifetime Ambassador Turner, who said: “Today’s winner created dishes that looked good and tasted good – dishes that said, ‘I’d like some more please’.”
12 best young chefs competing to be 2024 Springboard FutureChef champion announced
Young aspiring chefs from across the UK have been celebrating after being crowned regional winners of a competition to find the UK’s most talented young chefs.
Springboard FutureChef 2024, now in its 25th year, is the biggest school culinary contest in the UK. The school-based programme across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, inspires pupils to develop their culinary talent and supports pupils with entry routes into careers in the kitchen.
Aiming to find the UK’s best young chefs and up-and-coming industry stars, FutureChef is an initiative from Springboard – a charity committed to nurturing young talent and promoting hospitality as a great place to work.
More than 13,000 young teenagers across 12 regions went head-to-head in the competition over the last 12 months, with 81 of them making it to the regional finals – which challenged them to prepare a main course and dessert for two people in 90 minutes.
The four-stage cooking competition comprises school heats, local finals, regional finals, and concludes in the National Final. Each stage gets increasingly more challenging, with a specific skills challenge at the final stage. The dishes were judged by a panel of industry professionals, including Michelin star chefs James Sommerin, Adam Handling and Nieves Barragan, as well as more than 300 chefs from across the UK’s hotels, restaurants, and catering venues.
The 2024 winners from each region will now go on to take part in the prestigious National Final, taking place at Westminster Kingsway College, London on Monday 18th March 2024.
This year’s Springboard FutureChef 2024 regional winners, are:
- North Scotland region winner, Domhnall Bruce, 14 years old, from Portree High School, Isle of Skye.
- Central and South Scotland region winner, Eva Brodie, 15 years old, from Portobello High School, Edinburgh.
- North East region winner, Iris Bedford, 13 years old, from Rodillian Academy, Leeds.
- North West region winner, Millie Jo Lomax, 15 years old, from Poynton High School, Manchester.
- East Midlands region winner, Ella Lovejoy, 16 years old, from Toot Hill School, Nottingham.
- West Midlands region winner, Josh Hurd, 15 years old, from Newcastle Academy, Newcastle Under Lyme.
- East of England region winner, Lola Sycamore, 16 years old, from Comberton Village College, Cambridge.
- Wales region winner, Carys Williams, 15 years old, from Pontarddulais School, Swansea.
- South West region winner, Freya Barrett, 15 years old, from Penrice Academy, Cornwall.
- South East region winner, Pippa Cooper, 16 years old, from Priory School.
- London region winner, Reese Ventura, 15 years old, from St Philomena Catholic School for Girls.
- Northern Ireland region winner, Alex Scates, 13 years old, from St. Columbanus School, Bangor.
Winner of the East Midlands Region, Ella Lovejoy of Nottingham, said “I am thrilled to have won the regional finals in the FutureChef competition. This journey has been a remarkable opportunity, providing invaluable experiences along the way. This is my second year in the competition, and I owe my progress to the support of my family and teachers; their encouragement has been instrumental in my success.”
Lola Sycamore, winner of the East of England region, Cambridge, expressed “My competition journey has been an incredible rollercoaster. I have been able to develop amazing life skills within a kitchen environment and have been fortunate to work with amazing professional chefs as mentors – guiding me through the craft of preparing high quality savoury and sweet dishes. I am grateful to have the opportunity to compete in the National Final 2024. I am honoured to represent the East of England at such a prestigious event and look forward to meeting the other competitors.”
Josh Hurd, from the West Midlands Region, Newcastle Under Lyme continues “I have really enjoyed taking part in the local and regional FutureChef competition and am so happy to have won despite the fact I felt nervous and under pressure due to the 90-minute timeframe. I am so proud to be representing Newcastle Academy as a finalist and look forward to the National Final.”
Alex Scates, of Northern Ireland added “I can’t believe that I’ve won! It’s just amazing, this whole experience has been fantastic. I worked hard and practiced whenever I could to make sure I did my best, and it’s paid off. I am extremely thankful to my mentor, Chef Cathy Adamson for all her help and support. So excited to have won and now representing Northern Ireland at the London UK National Finals in March.”
Since its inception 25 years ago, when just nine schools and 127 young people participated, Springboard FutureChef has grown significantly – with an incredible 225,000 young people aged 12-16 years old having taken part since 1999. They have learned how to cook, enhance their skills, and gained experience in career opportunities within the hospitality industry. This year’s contest was supported by more than 300 industry chefs around the UK as mentors and judges.
It is now the UK’s largest school culinary competition with many going on to establish themselves within the industry, and a long list of successful alumni including; 2015 winner Tom Hamblett, who was crowned 2023 Masterchef Champion, April Partridge, who won the Roux Scholarship in 2023 and was crowned National Restaurant Awards chef to watch in the same year, and Graeme Cheevers, owner of Unalome in Glasgow, who this year retained his Michelin star for the fourth year.
Chris Gamm, chief executive of Springboard, said:“It is more important than ever to keep the prospect of a career in hospitality at the forefront of the minds of students, teachers, and parents, and the Springboard FutureChef competition has played a massive role in this over the past 25 years, with more than 225,000 students taking part during that time.
“By introducing young talent to the world of hospitality and allowing them to experience the level of creativity that comes with it, the competition has enabled many talented young individuals to enter the industry and discover their passions for what the sector offers. Competitions like these are critical because they bring in talented and motivated workers while promoting the industry. It is also great to see competitors having fun and doing what they love.”
Diageo’s Learning for Life programme celebrates decade of success in the UK
Graeme Dey MSP, Minister for Higher and Further Education, joined the celebration on Wednesday (21 February) at Johnnie Walker Princes Street in Edinburgh
Diageo’s award-winning Learning for Life hospitality industry skills programme last night celebrated its 10th anniversary with a toast to more than 6,000 people who have graduated from the course.
Diageo Learning for Life was launched in Scotland in February 2014 as part of an effort to tackle youth unemployment by creating training and employment opportunities in the hospitality industry.
Since then, more than 2,000 people in communities all over Scotland have gone through the programme, and it has grown into a UK-wide initiative with more than 6,000 people in total graduating over the past decade, equipping a wide range of people who have faced barriers to employment with skills and resources for a career in hospitality.
Over the course of the 10 years, Diageo has invested £1million per year in the programme to ensure high quality training, delivered by hospitality training charity Springboard, resulting in 83% of graduates going on to sustained employment.
Last night (Wednesday 21 February) politicians, hospitality leaders and Learning for Life alumni came together at Johnnie Walker Princes Street in Edinburgh to celebrate the anniversary.
Graeme Dey MSP, Scottish Government Minister for Higher and Further Education, attended the event and acknowledged the contribution Diageo Learning for Life has made to people across Scotland.
Graeme Dey, Minister for Higher and Further Education, commented: “The tenth anniversary marks an important milestone for the Learning for Life programme and I would like to congratulate the thousands of young people who have graduated from the course to work in one of Scotland’s most iconic industries.
“I also want to thank all the employers across the hospitality industry for their involvement in this scheme which has helped to provide life-enhancing opportunities for our workforce of the future.
“High quality training plays a vital role in unlocking the potential of our young people to the benefit of the wider economy which is why programmes like Learning for Life are so important to future growth.”
Gillian Dalziel, programme manager Learning for Life, Diageo, said: “We are incredibly proud of what Learning for Life has achieved over the last decade. Seeing the programme’s impact on people’s lives has been a privilege, helping them gain new skills and employment opportunities.
“The hospitality industry is still struggling with skills shortages and through programmes like Learning for Life, we are supporting the sector as well as creating opportunities for our graduates.
“We would like to thank our delivery partners and all the amazing pubs, bars, hotels and restaurants that have supported the programme through work experience and ultimately jobs for our graduates.”
The lead delivery partner across the 10 years of the programme has been Springboard, a charity that helps young and unemployed people in the UK to work in the hospitality, leisure, and tourism industries.
Chris Gamm, CEO, Springboard, said: “Springboard is delighted to have worked with Diageo to deliver Learning for Life over the past 10 years. During that time, together we have had an enormous impact futureproofing the hospitality talent pipeline, giving more than 6,000 individuals the skills and opportunities to find work in our fantastic industry.
“Not only has Learning for Life changed thousands of lives over the past decade, it has also given a number of graduates life changing experiences. As part of their courses, trainees have served the great and the good of the golfing world at the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles in 2014, worked at Barack Obama’s dinner in 2017, gave a cocktail masterclass to Prince Charles HRH in 2021 and met with First Minister of Scotland Humza Yousaf in 2023.
“Learning for Life has also had a huge impact on Springboard’s reach, moving from one team member delivering the programme in 2014 to 26 people all around the UK today. Thank you to all the team at Diageo.”
The Diageo Learning for Life programme has its roots in Latin America in 2008, where it was launched to help tackle youth unemployment. In 2014 Diageo saw the opportunity to make a similar impact in Scotland and the wider UK, while also elevating hospitality as a career opportunity.
Business Partner, Hand Picked Hotels offer vital support to Springboard
Our Business Partner, Hand Picked Hotels, have offered their support in generously sponsoring not just one, but three of our programmes and events.
They are the proud sponsor of the Employee Health & Wellbeing Award at the Springboard Awards for Excellence 2024. This year’s shortlist has now been announced and tickets are on sale, get yours here!
In our milestone 25th anniversary of Springboard FutureChef, Hand Picked Hotels has been a pillar of support, sharing the invaluable expertise of three of their distinguished chefs. Shane Zhao, Alec Mackins and Nigel Parnaby have not only lent their expertise but have actively participated in judging and mentoring, creating a profound impact on the development of culinary talents.
Alec Mackins also returned to support us for another year, after judging and mentoring South East winner and National Finalist Pippa last year. Alec is now mentoring Pippa again, after she just successfully won her Regional Final for the second year in a row – congratulations Pippa! We look forward to seeing them both at the National Final this year.
Nigel Parnaby also offered his support and expertise by judging at the Wolverhampton Local Final.
Shane Zhao, having supported us last year by judging and mentoring North West Winner and National Finalist Zak, returned as a judge at the West Yorkshire local final.
Alongside the Awards and Springboard FutureChef activities, Hand Picked Hotels have also been proud sponsors of our Springboard Ambassador programme.
Here is what Julia Hands, Founder and Chairman, at Hand Picked Hotels had to say about this partnership, “At Hand Picked Hotels, we are always pleased to partner with The Springboard Charity and Springboard UK and are delighted to be a sponsor once again. The unwavering support Springboard give to hospitality, tourism and leisure businesses, and those seeking employment within it from all walks of life, plays a vital role in the sustainability and diversity of our industry. They can be very proud of their achievements and we wish them another successful year.”
We are incredibly grateful for Hand Picked Hotels support and look forward to continuing our successful partnership with them.
Shortlist Announced for Springboard Awards for Excellence 2024
The 50 shortlisted hospitality businesses and individuals competing to win a coveted Springboard Award for Excellence 2024 on 11 April, has been announced.
Springboard was delighted to receive nearly 200 entries and nominations this year, a record number for its annual hospitality awards, which are delivered in partnership with headline sponsor IHG.
The judging panel of industry experts and Springboard Ambassadors praised the exceptionally high standard of entries received across all categories this year, including two new awards for Best Use of Technology and Talent Development Team of the Year.
The awards ceremony will take place at the prestigious InterContinental Park Lane, in the heart of Mayfair, London on 11 April and will be hosted by renowned comedian Simon Brodkin – off the back of his latest comedy tour, and recent TV appearance on The Royal Variety Performance.
The awards recognise and celebrate the UK and Ireland’s hospitality superstars, and those that have gone above and beyond to grow their organisation, look after their people and champion the industry.
Chris Gamm, chief executive of Springboard, said: ‘To be shortlisted for a Springboard Award for Excellence is a mark of hospitality brilliance. The awards are a fantastic opportunity to come together and commend our top businesses and people, showcasing their successes and hugely talented workforces. Yet again, the awards have grown, and the stunning InterContinental Park Lane is the perfect setting for us all to gather, raise a glass and celebrate our incredible industry.’
Tables and tickets are now available to purchase to attend the event HERE.
THE SPRINGBOARD AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE 2024 SHORTLIST:
Fiona Colley Trainee of the Year Award – sponsored by Savoy Educational Trust
Alistair Kemley
Kierra Smith
Natasha Elston
Sophie Pace-Balzan
Best Recruitment Initiative Award – sponsored by Caterer.com
Greene King
Hilton
Liberation Pub Group
Providence Hotels
Z Hotels
Best Apprenticeship Strategy Award – sponsored by HIT Training
CH&CO
Greene King
JKS Restaurants
Mitchells & Butlers
The Vineyard Hotel, Newbury
Academy by Simon Rogan
Employee Engagement Award – sponsored by Boyes Turner
CH&CO
Dalata Hotel Group
Eden Hotel Collection
Elior
RARE Restaurants
Best Training Programme Award – sponsored by Blastness
CH&CO
Dakota Hotels
Leonardo Hotels
RARE Restaurants
Sodexo Live!
Career Development Initiative Award – sponsored by Diageo
Accor
Crerar Hotels
IHG Hotels and Resorts
RARE Restaurants
RBH Hospitality Management
Best Use of Technology Award – sponsored by MAPAL Group
Delaware North
The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences
The Elms
The Lowry
Talent Development Team of the Year Award – sponsored by Hospitality Jobs UK
5 Hertford Street and Oswald’s
Raffles Hotel
Z Hotels
Employee Health and Wellbeing Award – sponsored by Hand Picked Hotels
Dishoom
Eden Hotel Collection
RARE Restaurants
Valor Hospitality
Community Engagement Award – sponsored by 5 Hertford Street & Oswald’s
Aurora Foxes
Craig Prentice, mum
DoubleTree by Hilton London ExCel
Sodexo
Disability Champion Award – sponsored by Sodexo
Cardiff Council
Greene King
Gusto Restaurants
Hilton
Pan Pacific London
Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Award – sponsored by CH&CO
Brewhouse & Kitchen
Elior
RARE Restaurants
The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences
Valor Hospitality
Best Education and Industry Partnership Award – sponsored by San Carlo
Aloft Birmingham Eastside & The Eastside Rooms
Hilton
Sodexo
The Vineyard Group
Academy by Simon Rogan
Sustainable Business Award – sponsored by Franke Coffee Systems
Apex Hotels
Hilton
Leonardo Hotels
Sodexo
Wilson Vale
Springboard Ambassador of the Year – sponsored by BaxterStorey
Ian Higgins, The Ivy Collection
Julian Rose-Gibbs, The Anchor Pub, Digbeth
Kyle Basnett, Gusto Restaurants
Michael Taylor, Sodexo
Best Employer Award – sponsored by Coca-Cola Europacific Partners
5 Hertford Street and Oswald’s
Eden Hotel Collection
Hand Picked Hotels
Nobu Hotel Shoreditch
Permanently Unique
The Belfry Hotel & Resort
Chris Beaumont Outstanding Contribution Award – sponsored by Bidfood
Winner to be announced on the night
Springboard enhances its information security, thanks to Amentum and Cranfield Trust
Springboard has completed a 12-month project to ensure our information security practices are well suited to the evolving security challenges in 2023 and beyond. Working with defence contractor Amentum, organised through Cranfield Trust, the project saw our team restructure policy, create and complete bespoke training for the entire team and upgrade hardware and systems.
Leading the project for Springboard, Head of Digital Development, Ted Blackwell said “Springboard set out to secure expert assistance in improving our Information Security position and Jonathan and Jemma’s knowledge of both ISO27001 and the information security landscape has helped us to both align to, and mature within, the ISO27001 framework.
Many thanks to both the team at Amentum and the Cranfield Trust for their support in delivering this project. Amentum’s concise professional guidance, delivered in a friendly environment, challenged us to improve our information security, while also protecting the organisation. Springboard will continue to improve on our journey to align our Information Security to the ISO27001 international standard, with a fantastic start made.“
Amentum‘s UK and International sector CISO, Jon Cornish noted that “The commitment and investment demonstrated by Springboard and in particular its CEO, Chris Gamm and Head of Digital Development, Ted Blackwell, really stood out to us. Springboard demonstrated its passion and determination to raise standards and commit to its Data Protection and Information Security programme.
Throughout the project Springboard made it clear that they want to be best placed to meet and maintain their obligations, protect their people, organisation, valuable assets and important work within the charitable sector.“
Savoy Educational Trust and Springboard join forces to promote hospitality careers to more than 300,000 people
Savoy Educational Trust and Springboard have announced a three-year partnership to promote hospitality careers to more than 300,000 prospects.
They will offer industry training, put on activities in schools and colleges, and market hospitality careers to those searching for work across the UK.
Savoy Educational Trust will be funding three key areas of Springboard’s work between 2023 and 2026:
- Employability Training Courses – supporting 1,156 disadvantaged people per year through a Springboard Training Course, in which they will receive soft skill development, hospitality training, accredited qualifications, CV and interview workshops, work experience, and guaranteed job interviews.
- Careers & Education Activity – allowing 3,128 students and school leavers per year to participate in hospitality takeover days, career hub sessions, and summer school training programmes.
- CareerScope Promotion – attracting 100,000 people per year to the CareerScope portal, where they can learn about hospitality careers, join a Springboard course, or apply for one of over 20,000 jobs or apprenticeships.
Angela Maher, Chief Executive of the Savoy Educational Trust, said: “Partnering with Springboard allows us to make a meaningful impact on the future of UK hospitality by investing in key areas that promote education and employment opportunities.
We believe in the transformative power of education, and through our funding, Springboard will be able to deliver essential employability training courses for disadvantaged individuals, fostering a passion for hospitality among thousands of students and young people, and using CareerScope as a bridge between individuals seeking employment and the wealth of opportunities within the sector.”
Chris Gamm, Chief Executive of the Springboard Charity, said: “We are thrilled to team up with the Savoy Educational Trust in this ambitious and inspiring three-year partnership. By combining our expertise and resources, we aim to open up exciting opportunities in the hospitality industry for more than 105,000 individuals per year; and build on our fantastic work together delivering the Springboard to2022 project, in which we helped 10,384 young people secure hospitality jobs.”
voco St. David’s, Cardiff supports Springboard with nurturing the future stars of hospitality!
voco St. David’s, Cardiff has proudly lent their support to us by opening its doors and extending its superb hosting to over 130 young people from schools in the Welsh capital, at a ‘Springboard Takeover Day’.
The Springboard Takeover Day, sponsored by voco St. David’s, Cardiff, took place on Monday 23rd October 2023. Konstantin Grimm, General Manager, voco St. David’s, Cardiff, welcomed pupils from five local secondary schools – Stanwell School and Sixth Form, Penarth; Cathays High School, Cardiff; Cardiff West Community High School; Fitzalan High School and Sixth Form, Cardiff and Corpus Christi Catholic High School, Cardiff;– to the event, devoted to the magnificent sector that is, hospitality.
Having been greeted by Konstantin and Springboard Ambassadors, students enjoyed a talk from Chris Ireland, Director of Operations UK&I, IHG Hotels & Resorts. Then, alongside other senior representatives from IHG (Gail Bagley, Human Resources Director UK&I; Kirsty Hart, Vice President, Human Resources UK&I; and Lindsey Wakeley, Human Resources Business Partner, South), pupils experienced a dedicated programme of carefully curated 30-minute workshops, as Konstantin explains:
“It’s a real privilege to support Springboard by sponsoring and hosting such a fantastic event here at voco St. David’s, Cardiff. Springboard supports the hospitality, leisure and tourism industries; working with education establishments to help them deliver industry insight and skills development to students as they transition into employment. The Springboard Takeover Day presents young people – the future stars of our industry – with an opportunity to get a feel for the hospitality sector. A special sector, and one that the team here in Cardiff absolutely loves being a part of! With a programme of activities aimed at encouraging students to consider a career in such a fabulous industry, the workshops allowed pupils to experience, in a hands-on manner, how it feels to be a hospitality professional. We’ve been able to show them the variety of roles available, and allow them to gain insight into a diverse range of career opportunities, which they may have been unaware of previously.”
Led by heads of department from voco St. David’s, Cardiff, the skills workshops included laying a dinner table for service and boxing a tablecloth; towel artistry (Housekeeping); hand massage techniques (Spa), marketing (Marketing); pancake making (Kitchen); and mocktail making (Food and Beverage).
Held across the hotel’s Roald Dahl and Dylan Thomas suites, voco St. David’s, Cardiff also provided participants of the Springboard Takeover Day with a delicious lunch – a real treat for students, giving them an insight into the culinary experience provided by the hotel to guests enjoying its Tir a Môr restaurant.
The day concluded with the ‘Rising Star’ awards, which saw certificates and goodie bags awarded to winners from each of the workshop groups. A fantastic way of recognising the incredible talent of the young people who may decide to join the industry!
Speaking about the day, Rebecca Slade, Careers, Education & Employability Programme Delivery Manager, Springboard, comments:
“The Springboard Charity was set up over 30 years ago and our mission is to futureproof the talent pipeline for hospitality by giving young and unemployed people the skills and confidence to launch their careers in the industry. We are absolutely delighted that voco St. David’s, Cardiff was keen to support our vision and host our Takeover Day today. What an incredible opportunity for these local schoolchildren to have an insight into jobs within hospitality. We hope that many will have been inspired today to start their hospitality career path.”
To find out more about voco St. David’s, Cardiff please visit stdavids.vocohotels.com or call +44(0)292 045 4045