Springboard Programme: Diageo Hospitality For You

Region: Liverpool

Year: 2024

“Before embarking on the Diageo Hospitality for You course with Springboard, I had faced a challenging four-year period of unemployment. My previous experiences included roles in retail management and call centres, but the lengthy absence from the workforce severely impacted my confidence and belief in my ability to re-enter the job market. Additionally, a lack of qualifications left me feeling unworthy and uncertain about my future.

During this four-year period, I faced numerous family challenges, including the loss of my father in 2020, which further affected my ability to focus on life and career aspirations. While unemployed, I explored various work opportunities and participated in pre-employment training programmes. Unfortunately, none of these paths aligned with my ambitions or personality, nor did they provide the life skills or qualifications I sought.

When I heard about the Springboard course and spoke with the Programme Manager, I felt a strong connection to the programme, believing it matched my skill set and ambitions. I was also impressed by Springboard’s success rate in helping individuals secure employment. The course appeared to be a serious and professional opportunity that I was eager to pursue.

Throughout the course, I experienced a high standard of learning, an inspiring tutor ethos, and clear expectations set for myself and my fellow trainees. The in-depth learning sessions and industry visit days, particularly to the ACC Liverpool facilitated by Sodexo, were invaluable. This visit deepened my interest in Events Management, which I began to see as a viable career path.

The camaraderie I developed with my fellow trainees further enhanced the learning experience and we worked together really well. I have a passion for helping others, and I enjoyed providing support to my peers. We collaborated effectively, and I still keep in touch with many of them now. On graduation day, I was honoured to receive the ‘Outstanding Peer Award’ which recognised the support I gave to others.

After completing the course, I undertook a work placement with Novotel Liverpool Paddington Village and also secured four interviews within 14 days. I ultimately accepted an offer from Sodexo to work as a Retail Floor Manager at the ACC Liverpool. In this role, I am responsible for running and managing cash catering kiosks, handling administrative duties for events, and ensuring that my team is well-prepared for their duties. After two months in this position, I am thrilled with my job and see great potential for progression.

I am immensely grateful to my Programme Manager for his helpfulness, knowledge, and passion, which propelled me to where I am today. A heartfelt thank you to everyone at Springboard, Diageo, and Sodexo for believing in me, restoring my self-worth, and helping me relaunch my career.”