“Whenever I think about Springboard, I get so emotional, partly because of how things were for me before I got to know about the charity and how the programme changed my story.
I searched for many jobs and found it very difficult to get any interviews and I was at the verge of losing hope when I saw an advert for a Springboard course.

During the programme, we completed a lot of practical training such as order taking, tray handling, table set up, bartending plus qualifications such as World Host Customer Service, Food and Safety Level 2.

We also had many venue tours to get to know what hospitality was all about. The first point of call was at the Ivy Asia (where I am currently working now, all thanks to Springboard). We also had tours of hotels (Holiday Inn, Mercure and Celtic Manor), mostly five-star, and this helped to build our self-esteem, confidence, it made us feel more integrated into the hospitality environment.

We did a lot of online classes and modules, and got help optimizing our CVs to the desired standard as well as help with cover letters and advice on being spontaneous with CV drops. Afterwards we went on work placements, and I was fortunate to go to the Radisson Blu hotel in Cardiff where I learnt a lot in the kitchen as a KP. Skills that definitely helped me to get my job at The Ivy.

After the programme and placement finished, I received help with job applications and it wasn’t long before Becky spoke to Ian at The Ivy Asia about me and arranged a work trial. Fair to say that they were happy with me and gave me a job! I have since also had a promotion.

The highlight of the programme is that I felt we were really well looked after by the organisers of the programme from Springboard from beginning to end.
Springboard is doing a good job in changing people’s lives, they have touched humanity, am super grateful for this opportunity and would certainly spread the good news and encourage others to join!”