Springboard Programme: Gateway to Employment

Region: London

Year: 2022

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

Jordan had been doing a supported internship with Mencap, which was coming to an end due to his age. Jordan was passionate about becoming a barista and as a result, was referred to Springboard for supporting him with the first steps to finding his first paid job.

Finding a job for Jordan hasn’t always been the easiest as he has a mild learning disability and autism.

In his search for work, he had completed two work experience weeks within theatres and had just started a trainee role at the Royal Opera House when COVID hit, meaning he could no longer continue in this role. Jordan had been doing some volunteering work since March 2022, but he really wanted to start a working career.

By doing the programme, Jordan was able to step outside his comfort zone. He very quickly made new friends, he very much was at the heart of the group and was incredibly well respected and liked by his peers.

We were able to get to know the real Jordan. Jordan is a real gentleman, funny, kind, intelligent, with a passion for learning languages – eight to be exact!

Springboard’s Sharon said “I feel very privileged to have been part of Jordan’s journey. To watch him grow in confidence, to see him blossom into this amazing young man who has so much to offer to any potential employer, and for him to realise just how much he has to offer himself. I remember how he was incredibly nervous and worried he was before our mock interview afternoon, but once he had done one interview, he volunteered to do more, as he realised he could do it and had so much to offer.”

Jordan was offered an interview at Chelsea Football Club. On the day of his interview, he felt confident – gone was the shy, reserved Jordan, instead we had a man ready to take on the world!

The interviewer was really impressed with Jordan and he was offered a position at Chelsea Football Club, through Constellation.

Even after finding work, Jordan would love to learn more skills and really develop his career within the industry. His passion for coffee drove him to begin his exciting and bright career in the hospitality industry.