Springboard announces new business partnership with PPHE Hotel Group!
We are delighted to announce our new partnership with PPHE Hotel Group, who share our ethos to inspire young people and their parents to select hospitality as a valid career choice. They joined us on our ‘Careers & Education Business Partnership’ and immediately set the wheels in motion by kindly hosting our Summer School 2024 programme, at the Park Plaza London Victoria.
This Summer School 2024 culminated with the exciting graduation of 16 trainees, and once again Lisa Price and Helene Dosseur co-ordinated with their colleagues to host this graduation event at the Park Plaza London Waterloo. Our cohort of trainees were made to feel very welcome at the respective hotels by Stefanie Hardy (General Manager), Elis Mihailova (M&E Sales & Planning Manager), and Reka Toth (F&B Manager) and their respective teams. Everyone felt inspired with the talks given at both events by Executive Vice President Operations, Daniel Pedreschi, who talked about shared about his own journey in hospitality, and also how The Savoy Education Trust played a crucial part in his career. Here’s what Daniel had to say about the event, “It was an absolute pleasure to host the launch of the Springboard Summer School 24 at Park Plaza London Victoria, and we are incredibly proud to be able to support and partner with such an incredible initiative. To be able to inspire the next generation and provide opportunities to all is something we at PPHE Hotel Group are passionate about, and look forward to further events and projects together in the future.”
A huge thank you to The Savoy Education Trust and all the businesses who supported Springboard with our 2024 Summer School, and congratulations to our trainees on their incredible achievement – we wish them the best of luck as they venture into their careers.
We did it! The 2024 Springboard Virtual Race is complete!
The Springboard Virtual Race 2024 challenge: To Cambodia & Back, is now complete.
This July, nearly 400 hospitality industry friends and peers came together to take part in the annual Springboard Virtual Race 2024: To Cambodia & Back.
Over the past 31 days, teams of up to 20 people have been challenging themselves to cover as many miles as possible through walking, running, swimming, cycling, wheeling ‘To Cambodia & Back’ (14,000 miles between each team), whilst raising as much money as possible for Springboard, with a fundraising target of £3,500 per team. All teams have collectively covered a tremendous 108,456 miles this July, wow!
We are thrilled to share that we have exceeded our £80k target!
With your phenomenal help, support from over 800 donations, and our generous sponsors – we surpassed the target on the final day of the challenge. A fitting end to an exciting, fun and fit July. Thank you all for helping us beat our target and for your incredible industry support! The JustGiving page will remain open for the whole of August, so still time to donate HERE.
Scroll down for the full list of winners…
The teams have been enjoying a bit of healthy competition between each other and pushing themselves daily, to try and reach the top spot.
We are delighted to announce the team who managed to complete the full 14,000 miles – Winner of Most Miles covered by a Team goes to BaxterStorey – People Panthers Team, who covered an impressive 14,022.33 miles. Congratulations!
Double congratulations to BaxterStorey – People Panthers Team, who also won Best Team Fundraiser, raising an impressive £5,093.86 via 160 donations. Brilliant effort, well done!
Other wins include Best Individual Fundraiser went to Luke Walton – from the Bidfood Peleton Team. Best on Foot was Steve Wilson – from the BaxterStorey, People Panthers Team who managed to cover a whopping 675.42 miles over July.
Sincere thanks to everyone who took part – for your commitment, time, and efforts over the last month. To all supporters for donating so generously, we are so grateful. And special thanks to our sponsors, for helping make this challenge possible.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF OUR WINNERS
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Winner of the Most Miles covered by a Team
BaxterStorey – The People Panthers who covered an impressive 14022.33 miles,
and the only team to complete the full journey ‘To Cambodia & Back’ and cover the full 14,000 miles.
Group Prize: Canapés and drinks reception for x20ppl – at Apex Hotels
1st place – BaxterStorey, People Panthers Team covered 14,022.33 miles
2nd place – The Mighty Ambassadors 2 – Return of the Lycra covered 11,925.74 miles
3rd place – Team Bidfood Peleton covered 10,377.41 miles
4th place – Team Graysons and Hospitality Consultants covered 9,027.4 miles
5th place – Team Vacherin (CH&CO) covered 7,969.97 miles
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Winner of Best Team Fundraiser
Congratulations to BaxterStorey – The People Panthers, who raised a
phenomenal £5,093.86 fundraised via 160 donations. Brilliant effort, well done!
Group Prize: Drinks reception and nibbles for x20ppl – at Hilton Bankside
*Special mention to The Mighty Ambassadors 2 – The Return of the Lycra, who were SO close
with £4,992.79 through 118 supporters (and donations via Juniper Ventures fundraising events).
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Winner of Best Individual Fundraiser
Luke Walton (of AAK) – from the Bidfood Peleton Team, has raised an impressive £2,895.
Wow, well done for all your hard work fundraising for Springboard.
Prize: Overnight stay for two adults – at Luxury Family Hotels
*Special shout out to Michael Hales and Frank Coughlan also – both so close to the top spot.
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Winner of Best on Foot (walking & running)
Great job from Steve Wilson – from BaxterStorey, The People Panthers who managed to
cover a whopping 675.42 miles over July. Superb effort.
Prize: Overnight stay with breakfast and golf for two – at The Belfry Hotel & Resort
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Winner of Best Cyclist
The winner of the most miles pedalled, goes to Dan Waistell – from BaxterStorey, The People Panthers,
who managed to cover an incredible 1545.05 miles from cycling. Amazing result.
Prize: One night stay with dinner for two – at Crerar Hotels
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Winner of Best Swimmer
Nikki Hale (of Oliver Kay) – from The Veggie Victory Team, covered 135.6 miles through swimming, excellent work.
Prize: Two night stay with breakfast for two, plus cocktails – at Crowne Plaza
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Two Winners of Best Social Media
Charlotte Ryan (of Oliver Kay) – from The Veggie Victory Team
Prize: £50 GAIL’s Bakery voucher
David Lapsley (of Apex Hotels) – from The Mighty Ambassadors 2 – Return of the Lycra
(*made up of Springboard Ambassadors)
Prize: £50 GAIL’s Bakery voucher
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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
Q&A with our Cambodia Trekkers
In April, 24 trekkers set off on the adventure of a lifetime across Cambodia, all in support of Springboard. We sat down with our very own Chief Operations Officer, Kelly Johnstone, and Operations Director, Bryan Grierson, to talk about their time on the trek…
Q: So, welcome back! How does it feel to back home?
Bryan: I 100% have the Cambodia Blues! It was an absolutely incredible experience – I loved every moment of it. One of the biggest challenges I’ve taken on yet, but it was definitely worthwhile. I’ve semi recovered from the experience!
Kelly: It’s definitely a lot cooler in Scotland! We were in 43/44 degree heat every day, but I am told when I was out there it felt more like 50. It probably took me a couple of weeks to recover from the jetlag.
Q: A huge congratulations to you both on completing your 100km journey! How did it compare to last year’s trek?
Bryan: For me, you know, I thought it was a completely different challenge. This is my second trek, so the dynamics are a little bit different when you do it the second time around, and it definitely felt hotter than last year!
Kelly: I think that they were both very difficult for very different reasons. They were both hot. But for me, the difference was definitely the community projects, it was a much closer connected trip to our charity this year, so with the things that we talk about later, like the Eco bungalow and the hotel school – I felt like that was really close to what we do as an organisation.
Q: Why did you decide to take on another Springboard trek?
Bryan: Of course, raising the crucial funds for the charity, to support the work we do. I also think that there’s a lot of excitement about the trek with the industry, and I think that people and businesses look forward to getting the opportunity to apply and be a part of that experience. Obviously, we’re raising money to keep up the good work that we do and it’s very significant. A massive thank you to everybody that fundraised.
Kelly: This is my 4th one and I’m really grateful for every experience. I’ve done Peru, Nepal, Nicaragua and now Cambodia.
I guess the reason why we took it on is when we came back from Nicaragua, we were really still blown away with the impact we can have over there. We started the wheels going for another trek, mainly to raise funds for Springboard. It’s really challenging to organise, getting all the trekkers together to start the fundraising at what is difficult times.
But the end result is £94,000 for Springboard – hopefully reaching the £100,000 mark soon.
The legacy that we leave in these countries is amazing, but I think I’ll officially hand the baton over to someone soon!
Q: What were some of the preparations you took before embarking on your journey?
Bryan: Mindset is just as important as physical fitness. You can only train so much here in the UK, because you can’t obviously train for 45/46 degree heat. Some people said the only way you could physically train for that was maybe going to do 50 squats in a sauna!
But definitely, getting out, walking as much as possible, training in the gym, obviously looking after your nutrition, and all that sort of stuff. Just making sure you’ve got a healthy body and mind.
Kelly: Physically I’m generally a fit person, I exercise 5-6 times a week with a mixture of strength and Pilates. But someone did tell me on the second trek, the best way to prepare for a trek is to walk, because that’s what you’re doing – walking lots. So, I was racking up about 80/100km every weekend walking, just getting the legs going.
But for me, I was also overcoming some personal health challenges that I’d had for about 18 months. So, it was a real mental challenge that I could go out and do it again with having some challenges going on in the background, but I did it, and as Bryan said, “It’s up here (points to head), as much as it’s in your legs.”
Q: Is there a proud moment that sticks out to you from this year’s trek?
Bryan: It was a proud moment, but it was also a very challenging moment as well. The difference between the two tracks – Nicaragua was very hilly the whole track, whereas Cambodia was all relatively flat.
We had a three-kilometre uphill trek in the afternoon, which blew my mind. To be honest, there was parts of it where you had to think “I am going to get up this” because there were a few moments where I thought I couldn’t continue, but you just have to keep going.
And then obviously another highlight for me was probably finishing the trek off at Angkor Wat and seeing the sunset, and then going back the next morning to see the sunrise as well – such an amazing experience.
Kelly: There were lots of highlights for me. I think camping at a Buddhist temple was a really good experience. The views. The way the Monks were with you. The blessing that we got one night from the monk. And then combining that with the sunrises and the sunsets – you’ve never seen anything like this before in your life.
I’d also have to say the whole connection that the community project had with the hotel school, it aligned really with what Springboard does. The bungalow that we’re helping build is going to be part of that community’s sustainable income and the school that’s in that community is going to send pupils to the hotel school in Siem Reap that help disadvantaged people. So, there’s a full circle there going on. We’re going to try and continue to work with them from a distance and that aligns very much with what Springboard does.
I also have to mention, the food and the hospitality that they served at the hotel school was, I mean Michelin star. It was awesome.
Q: And finally, what did you think about Cambodia?
Bryan: It just completely blew my mind. The people are so friendly, so nice, so welcoming. The food – I didn’t have a bad meal the whole time I was there. We ran a local sports day at the community projects with 40 other kids, all taking part in different activities, and everyone was just so friendly. Very upset to leave on the day we flew back but overall, a great experience, and I would 100% go back.
Kelly: Everything that Bryan said. The people are very humble and friendly. Not just the people that we stayed with, but the guides. The guides were so kind, and they had a wicked sense of humour!
The thing that just rises above for me was the food. It was so fresh. Everything was brilliant. All the people with specific dietary requirement were catered for as well. I also just noticed how clean everywhere was.
I would definitely go back to Cambodia and explore it for personal leisure, rather than a 100km trek!
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