Springboard has been named as a 2021 Grant recipient of the Hilton Effect Foundation. Grants were awarded to organisations across the world for going above and beyond to support those disproportionately impacted by the pandemic and will be used to advance Springboard’s work in helping young and unemployed people to upskill and progress into employment within the hospitality industry. This is the second time Springboard has been awarded a Hilton Effect Foundation Grant, in recognition of their continued efforts, after first receiving one in 2020.

Springboard will use the 2021 Hilton Effect Foundation Grant to deliver essential new employability training programmes, starting in Spring 2022. The programmes will include short courses aimed at inspiring school-leavers to join the industry, and longer courses that will help young, unemployed adults gain the confidence and skills for a career in hospitality.

The course work includes pre-programme preparation in school; sessions on roles within the industry and entry routes; tour of local hotels; presentation from hospitality professionals, including hands-on activities; participation in Customer Care sessions; teambuilding activity; and more. The programmes’ tailored training and support will give participants increased confidence and motivation, transferable and sector-specific skills, and insight into the industry.

The activities will involve beneficiaries aged 16+ from across the UK and Republic of Ireland, with the majority in areas where the need is greatest, including the Midlands and the Republic of Ireland.

Chris Gamm, CEO of Springboard, said: “Over the last year we have worked tirelessly with our partners to provide employers with a pipeline of talent, giving them the space to focus on the current challenge of rebuilding from the Coronavirus pandemic. We are honoured to receive this Grant from the Hilton Effect Foundation to support our work. As we move into 2022, despite challenges our industry has faced, we look forward to continuing our work in attracting more young people to start careers in the hospitality industry. The Grant will allow us to continue to support employers and reach our target of getting 10,000 young people into jobs within the sector.”

Stephen Cassidy, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, UK and Ireland, Hilton, and Board Member, Hilton Effect Foundation said: “We are thrilled to award Springboard with a second Hilton Effect Foundation grant. A hugely deserving recipient, the hospitality charity is using the funds towards an exciting new curriculum to promote hospitality careers in the UK and help unemployed people to access jobs within the sector. With the pandemic still having an enormous impact on our sector, it is vital we inspire people to join our vibrant and diverse industry and support them in their journey. 2022 is set to be a pivotal year for hospitality, so we will be working closely with Springboard to showcase and nurture the fantastic career opportunities available in the industry.”

Springboard was selected from hundreds of organisations that were considered for Hilton Effect Foundation Grants. Each of the 2021 Grantees are committed to having a long-term, meaningful impact on the people and communities they serve, by driving progress on critical environmental or social challenges.

The Hilton Effect Foundation was launched in 2019 as part of Hilton’s 100th anniversary celebration, to further ensure that the Hilton Effect would continue for generations to come. With the mission to create a better world to travel, the Foundation invests in both organisations and people having a positive impact on the communities Hilton serves.

As a long-standing partner of Springboard, Hilton also supports the charity’s FutureChef and Ambassadors programmes. FutureChef is the largest National School Cooking Programme in the UK, educating young people on cookery skills, nutrition, healthy eating and culinary/catering careers.

Springboard’s ambassador scheme gives Hilton employees the opportunity to volunteer within their local community, using their skills and talents to inspire the next generation of hospitality employees.