Springboard Programme: Hospitality Futures

Region: Greater London

Year: 2013

“I certainly haven’t forgotten how much Springboard helped me; they’ve unquestionably changed my life.”

After leaving full-time education with no real career aspirations, in the midst of an economic recession, Alex felt lost and directionless. He became stuck in a cycle of signing onto unemployment benefits in between dead-end warehouse jobs. This went on for over two years. Motivation was lacking and Alex felt listless about his future.

Hearing about a hospitality recruitment day with paid travel expenses, he decided to go along, at least having the chance to find some temporary work in a pub, at most. It was the course mentor from Springboard who saw potential in Alex, suggesting that he should consider working in a hotel as a receptionist. Having completed some other similar courses in the past, Alex wasn’t expecting much, but was pleasantly surprised. He enjoyed the industry visits and, for the first time, felt excited about a potential career. After completing the Hospitality Futures course, Alex stepped into a hotel for the first time ever, having secured a two-week work placement on the reception at Novotel London West and was offered a job soon after.

Six years later, Alex is still with Novotel, working at their London Brentford branch, where he has worked his way up to the role of Reception Duty Manager. Since beginning his career at the hotel, Alex’s passion for the hospitality industry and the variety of work it offers has only grown. He was immediately engaged by the programme, enjoying the industry visits and valuable skills training, and felt galvanized to begin his career in the industry. Alex admits that prior to completing the programme, he had never considered hospitality as a permanent career path but he now looks forward to every new challenge and opportunity he is presented with each day, in this vibrant and varied role.