Springboard Programme: KickStart

Region: London

Year: 2018

Simon was always aspirational, but the young boy from Croydon ended up surrounded by the wrong type of people, and quickly found himself in trouble. After a run in with the law, he found himself long-term unemployed – unemployment which lasted for four years. This had a profound effect on Simon, rendering him depressed and overwhelmed by the road ahead – making it even more difficult for him to find work.

He was then referred to Springboard by a youth worker, who had heard about the work the charity does. Simon was enrolled onto the KickStart programme, which provides all the skills he would need to break into hospitality, and for the first time in many years, felt excited for what lay ahead of him.

Simon immediately thrived on the programme. He loved the professional atmosphere and real-world scenarios – which inspired and motivated him to work hard than ever. After sailing through the course, Simon was offered a job on the front desk of the Park Plaza, which allowed him to put his new skills and training to good use. He quickly bonded with his colleagues, and impressed senior figures with his willingness to learn and take on challenges.

Although Simon had faced immense difficulties, he knew that the key to success was to maintain a positive attitude and not give up hope – with a little help from the Springboard Charity thrown in. From four years unemployed, feeling like there was no way out, Simon is now completely energised and determined to build his new-found career and move into an HR position, and help other people like him to grow.