Region: Cardiff

Year: 2024

“I began my journey with Springboard in July 2024, when I was fortunate to take part in the Cardiff Summer School Programme. I attended an industry visit to Bill’s restaurant in Cardiff Bay. Everyone was really lovely and welcoming and instantly put me at ease. After listening to Zoltan from the restaurant’s, inspiring career talk and employment pathways, I enjoyed doing some hands-on work, including stepping behind the bar to make a mocktail, followed by a pancake decorating exercise, which I also enjoyed eating! The day ended with a tour of the restaurant’s kitchen. The whole experience was a great insight into the hospitality industry and spurred me on to explore my options further.

My lifelong dream has always been to work at McDonald’s. I discussed this with Becky, who made it her mission to help me make my dream a reality. My Springboard employability manager arranged and accompanied me to a meeting with our local McDonald’s Recruitment and Retention manager, Ami. During the meeting, we discussed my strengths and capabilities and I was thrilled to be offered a work placement. I enjoyed working as part of a team and learnt lots of new skills during my placement, working in the foyer area of the restaurant. Springboard were a great support during my placement and was always happy to help in any way.

I’m delighted to have been offered a permanent paid position in McDonald’s, all made possible by Springboard. I would have really struggled to achieve all this without their support and they really have made my dream come true.”

McDonald’s in Western Avenue, Cardiff have been incredibly supportive during Owen’s journey. They have altered the onboarding process to fit his needs, and he has a member of staff supporting him during his shifts. They loved Owen’s personality and eagerness to work and wanted to support his independence as a young man by offering a paid position.