Springboard Programme: Diageo Learning for Life

Region: Scotland

Year: 2022

Shortlisted for the Fiona Colley Trainee of the Year Award at the Springboard Awards for Excellence 2023

 Jacqueline was going through a tough time in life, she had been homeless and was struggling with her mental health. In her own words, she didn’t know where to turn.

She was referred to Springboard by the Rangers Foundation, where she had been on an employability course with them and had expressed an interest in hospitality.

Jacqueline joined the Diageo Learning for Life programme in March 2022, and at that time was moving between accommodation which was unsettling. Things were confusing and chaotic for her and her situation was a very difficult one.

When taking part in the course, she took full advantage of the training and opportunities presented to her, and worked hard to overcome her situation. Along the way she gained new skills, grew her confidence, and even made some new friends.

Her dedication, passion for learning and interest in cocktails shone through. Jacqueline said, “The course gave me a reason to get up in morning and gave me something to look forward to.”

During the course she was provided with new accommodation and her lease of life in settling with her dog and getting her flat decorated. In gaining some additional security shifts at Ibrox stadium and researching jobs in bars to use her cocktail knowledge, things were turning around.

Upon completing the course, Jacqueline took on more shifts at Ibrox stadium and also gained employment at the Scottish Events Campus/Hydro in Glasgow, working in the bars. Her potential and growing confidence were spotted and she was quickly moved to the VIP area of the Hydro.

Springboard’s Isabel said “Her interest and enthusiasm for the role comes out every time we speak and recently she attended a session at Ibrox Youth Hub to promote the work of Springboard to speak with other hopeful applicants. Her natural style, enthusiasm for her job, manner and ‘from the heart’ tale made it one of the best presentations I have ever seen from a graduate. From having no confidence and low self-esteem to that presentation day was a true transformation.”

Jacqueline also volunteered to attend another Springboard course in Glasgow where she came along as the guest. She assisted in a cocktail class and impressed us all with her knowledge and professionalism.

In the future, Jacqueline would like to take on a Supervisory/Management role and also further develop her knowledge of cocktails. Mixology and cocktail making are her passion, and she would like to explore where that might take her.