Springboard Logo
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • About us
    • About Springboard
    • Springboard to 2022
    • Impact report
    • Vision, mission & values
    • Our patrons
    • Our corporate patrons and partners
    • Our senior team and trustees
    • Contact us
  • Get support
    • Our programmes
    • Skill Up, Step Up
    • CareerScope support hub
    • Career Hubs
  • Support us
    • Donate
    • Become a Springboard patron
    • Become a business partner
    • Find out how to get involved
    • Become a Springboard Ambassador
    • Springboard to 2022
  • Events
    • Royal Windsor Racecourse
    • Run for Charity
  • Our programmes
  • Success stories
  • Work for us
  • Blog
Home » Simon’s story

We use cookies to create the most secure and effective website possible. By continuing to use our website you are agreeing to our use of cookies in our privacy policy.

View our privacy policy Agree

Simon’s story

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.

Simon Portrait
Slider image

"When meeting Simon his passion for the hospitality industry and his eagerness to join our team was evident. When completing his work experience we were delighted to offer him a full-time position within our night’s team where he continued to inspire our guests with his individuality and passion."

Hamid Nowab

Night Manager, Park Plaza

“I think Simon always had the potential, but needed the programme to give him the confidence to back that potential up. The course has opened up a door for him, which he has walked right through!”

Tony

Programme Manager, The Springboard Charity

Other stories

View Lizzie's story
View Laura 's story
View Daniel 's story
View Chris's story

Support us

  • Donate
  • Springboard to 2022
  • Become a business partner
  • Find out how to get involved

Follow us on

Our other sites

  • CareerScope
  • FutureChef
Springboard Logo

Copyright © 2022
The Springboard Charity: Registered Charity Number: 1045411 (England, Wales & Northern Ireland) SC040506 (Scotland) Registered Company Number: 3031621 Springboard UK: A wholly owned subsidiary of The Springboard Charity Registered Company Number: 2502511


  • Sign up to our newsletter
  • About us
  • What we do
  • Contact us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Site Map

Keep up to date with the latest Springboard news!

No thanks