Springboard Programme: Diageo Learning for Life Hospitality & Bartending course

Region: Midlands

Year: 2019

At the end of 2018, Sean sadly experienced a series of personal setbacks; a health scare, a relationship break up and a serious struggle with mental illness. On top of all this, Sean had just been unexpectedly made redundant from his factory job, and the extenuating personal circumstances made it very difficult for him to go back to work. Everything began to fall apart – he was forced to move back in with his mum as he couldn’t afford to pay his bills, he wasn’t socialising because he didn’t have any money and his mental health deteriorated even further.

Sean was religiously applying for jobs but struggling to get further than the interview stage – he felt that he was being negatively judged for his weight and this took a toll on his confidence.

It was at the Job Centre where Sean was given the recommendation for Springboard’s programmes, and he decided to enroll on the Diageo Learning for Life Hospitality & Bartending course.

The programme provided Sean with an immeasurable set of skills and qualifications, while also transforming his self-confidence and people skills. He felt hugely supported by the Springboard staff, grateful for their commitment and empathy towards his personal situation. At the end of the course, Sean was given the opportunity to complete a work experience placement as a receptionist at the Holiday Inn Express, which he absolutely loved. He was absolutely delighted when at the end of his placement, he was offered a full-time position! He’s now been working there for a few months and is still really enjoying it.