David Jona
Joy Silvera
Abbie Stokes
Tyana King-Wagner
Moving to London seemed to be only a dream for me, but I made it my reality and made it my life.
Joining the programme has given me the opportunity to broaden my horizons, I am hungry to build a career. I enjoy great pleasure in accomplishing the best standard of work and exceed people’s expectations.
I joined the course being very me, myself, and I, not wanting people around me and distractions but through a three-week course I have gained an understanding, a respect for things such as the importance of teamwork and communication. The course gives you no reason to fail and every reason to motivate you for the career that you can build.
I was not sure of myself for a long time and this course has added to my certainty of myself and who I want to be. I found that doing this course has just confirmed that my dream of what I want is now right in my hands and I don’t plan to stop now. Thankfully, I have had a wonderful tutor who has made me want to listen and has made me enjoy every day of learning.
This course to me is like a cheat code for anybody who is driven and hardworking.”
Tyana is now proud to be working at the Royal Lancaster in central London, as part of the reception team. It’s an incredible step forward in her journey, and she has recently been interviewed for a sales and marketing position , a clear reflection of how far she has come.
Nadia Mahichani
Having applied for numerous roles without success, Nadia found herself at a crossroads, unsure how to bridge the gap between her creative abilities and the industry expectations. She struggled with the added complexity of adjusting to a new cultural environment, which affected her ability to network and build connections within her field.
Initially unsure about the Springboard programme and its relevance to her background, Nadia quickly found herself gaining confidence as she began to understand how her creativity could contribute to the hospitality industry. By the second week, she had started to emerge as a natural motivator within the group, sparking passion, joy, and a positive outlook that resonated with her peers. Her newfound enthusiasm not only helped her own self-confidence grow but also created a ripple effect within the group.
Nadia’s ability to inject energy and positivity into discussions and activities motivated the rest of the group, fostering a supportive and collaborative learning environment. Her infectious attitude inspired others to push past their own doubts and embrace the challenges of the programme, which in turn boosted their collective skills and confidence. As Nadia became more comfortable with the programme material and industry expectations, she gained a deeper understanding of how to apply her unique talents within this field, ultimately empowering her to engage more confidently with the opportunities ahead.
Nadia was the first person in her group of trainees to secure employment, demonstrating remarkable initiative, and her proactive approach led to her securing a position at Box Brindley Place.
Catrina McGregor
Growing up, Catrina was a bright and outgoing child, but behind her confident exterior lay a reality marked by instability. She faced significant challenges at home, experiencing periods of neglect that affected her emotional well-being. Eventually, social services intervened, placing her in foster care – a transition that left her feeling scared and alone. Though she was later reunited with her mother, tragedy struck when, at just seven years old, her mother passed away. This devastating loss led Catrina to live with her grandmother, who became her source of stability and encouragement.
Encouraged by her gran, she worked hard on a portfolio and was eventually accepted into Glasgow School of Art. But when her gran passed away, the grief was overwhelming. She withdrew her application, putting her artistic dreams on hold and struggling with confidence and direction.
After a year of grieving Catrina was encouraged by her art teacher to apply again and was accepted and dedicated herself to her studies. She graduated from Glasgow School of Art in 2024 and struggled to secure employment. She lacked work experience, and her confidence in social settings had deteriorated. Despite applying for jobs, she found herself unable to progress past interviews. Financial pressures mounted, and she felt increasingly isolated.
A chance conversation with a woman who had completed a Springboard course changed everything. Inspired by the support available, Catrina enrolled in the Diageo Learning for Life Programme, delivered in partnership with Springboard. She joined the Introduction to Hospitality course in Glasgow and began a transformative journey.
As part of the programme, Catrina gained hands-on experience at Leonardo Hotel Glasgow, working in food and beverage, and housekeeping. Initially, she was nervous, worried about making mistakes. However, with the encouragement of the team, she embraced the learning process, developing her own techniques to build skills and confidence. She asked questions, took notes, and most importantly, didn’t give up when faced with challenges.
Through her placement, Catrina discovered a passion for working in hospitality – particularly on the breakfast shift, where she thrived on customer interaction. She found herself reconnecting with the outgoing person she once was, growing in confidence and rediscovering her love for engaging with people.
Her dedication and hard work didn’t go unnoticed. In November 2024, Catrina was offered a permanent role as a Food & Beverage Assistant at Leonardo Hotel, a testament to her resilience and commitment. Today, she is flourishing in her role, embracing new opportunities, and even feeling inspired to pick up painting again – something she had lost touch with during difficult times.
Reflecting on her journey, Catrina said:
“My life is back on track! This experience has helped me grow, not just professionally but personally. I feel like I’m finding my confidence again, and I’m forever grateful to Springboard, Diageo’s Learning for Life programme, and Leonardo Hotel for giving me a chance.”
Catrina’s journey is a testament to the power of training, mentorship, and opportunity in transforming lives. With a brighter future ahead, she exemplifies how the right support can unlock potential and create lasting change. Now shortlisted for the Fiona Colley Award for Trainee of the Year, she stands as a true inspiration, demonstrating the resilience and determination needed to overcome challenges and succeed.
Kyle Steward
Education, a fundamental right for many, remained a distant dream for me. With the weight of responsibility thrust upon my young shoulders, I found myself navigating a world far beyond my years. While other children went to school, I was forced to find unscrupulous ways to earn money simply to put food on the table.
Despite the odds stacked against me, I refused to succumb to despair. Every day became a testament to my unwavering determination and strong will to survive.
It was during one of my most challenging moments that I found Springboard Charity. With their unwavering support and guidance, I began to see a glimmer of hope for my future.
Through the assistance of the Springboard Charity, I was connected with an opportunity that would change my life forever. I found employment at one of London’s iconic landmarks, the Waldorf Hotel, now undergoing a transformation where I embarked on an apprenticeship program.
Under the mentorship of seasoned professionals, I discovered a passion for hospitality that I never knew existed. Each day presented new challenges and opportunities for growth, and I embraced them with an unwavering enthusiasm and dedication.”
Today, Kyle, stands as a shining example of resilience and determination. From a childhood filled with adversity to a future filled with promise, his journey serves as an inspiration to all who have faced similar struggles.
Kyle is currently employed at The Waldorf Hilton, London. He began his journey as a doorman, gradually progressed to working in the bar, and has also stepped in to support the concierge team when needed. His adaptability and eagerness to learn have demonstrated a strong commitment to understanding and excelling in all areas of the hospitality industry.
Jamie Nicholas
“During my time as a chemistry student at the University of St Andrews, I struggled very badly with my studies and consequently, my mental health, where I fought through every kind of burnout imaginable just to keep up with the minimum standards to pass. This severely inhibited my ability to gain employment, as I had to study for re-sit exams during every one of my summer holidays, so I couldn’t work or intern and build up my skills and experience during those times, or even get some real respite from my studies, leading me to becoming even more burnt out.
During my term time, I did try and get a job with the student union as a team member and in some of the student halls as a kitchen porter, but even when I succeeded in getting an interview, I found it difficult to answer the interviewer’s questions in the way they wanted due to the communication differences I have as an autistic person. I finally finished my studies in August 2023 with a poor final result and was left too mentally broken and beaten down to do anything for nearly a year. When I had healed enough to start looking for jobs properly, I was hampered by both the lingering effects of my mental health when it came to actually making applications and my lack of experience – especially for someone now in their mid-twenties – and from not being able to work during my summer holidays or term time, which meant I had little to show for myself.”
In October 2024, Jamie came across Springboard at a Careers Fair in Edinburgh.
“Over the course of the programme, I developed my ability to interact with customers/members of the public in a professional manner – something which I had difficulty with at my previous hospitality job – and provide excellent customer service. I learned the methods of preparation for various types of drinks and how to serve them properly. The training I received in the programme helped me become more conscientious in my responsibilities as a hospitality team member – and team member in general – as well as the rules around serving alcohol within the law.
At the end of the programme, I had the opportunity to do a work placement behind the bar at a Wind and the Willows-themed restaurant called Badger & Co., and put what I had learned into practice. There, I was able to learn by doing; building on the skills I had developed as I worked and building a lot of new confidence in myself as I went along – something that was noted by my manager – which helped me improve further. The confidence I gained from the programme, especially the placement at the end, helped bring me out of my ‘doomer’ mindset and restore my confidence in myself and my abilities. I was also able to meet lots of interesting people and make a few friends on the course, whom I still keep in touch with as we cheer each other on in our new careers.
With the new hospitality knowledge, experience, and qualifications I gained from the programme, as well as my improved interview and CV-writing skills, I finally successfully landed a paid job on the bar team at Gusto Italian, a well-reputed restaurant in the centre of Edinburgh, which I feel I have done well in so far.”
Alexander Hoey
Without support from Springboard this would have been impossible, but I managed to get the job, and from now on I will be able to have a stable income that I can live on and thrive on, while working in a good environment. I am very thankful to the staff at Springboard for helping me and boosting my confidence”
Leon Buffham
On the course I gained new experiences and skills which I had not trained in before, this included Food Safety, Food Allergens and many more with additional support on CV’s and interviews.
Before joining this course, I always assumed that the hospitality industry was only restaurants hotels and pubs, however after speaking with my Springboard programme manager and looking at my CV he suggested roles in Maintenance which was in line with my previous skill set and passions.
My programme manager put me in touch with Anna Wadcock (General Manager) at the Maldron Hotel Newcastle and I was brought in for an interview. I was delighted to be successful, and I started a 20 hours per week, six month contract in July 2024. This role involves mainly painting the hotel from rooms, public and back of house areas however I also help out in maintenance if required.
In September 2024 I was thrilled to be awarded “Employee of the Month” and in October 2024 I have been offered a full-time permanent contract at the hotel.”