Lauren McGregor
Kirsteen Gorman, Executive Assistant at Dakota Hotels, Glasgow said, “Lauren has grown and developed since starting at Dakota Glasgow, Lauren is always willing to help the team, assisting training new starters and sharing her knowledge. Lauren’s promotion to self-checker has given her confidence in her abilities and completing her Modern Apprenticeship shown her drive to further her knowledge within hospitality. Lauren has great opportunities ahead of her with Dakota Glasgow”
Andrew Bennett
During this four-year period, I faced numerous family challenges, including the loss of my father in 2020, which further affected my ability to focus on life and career aspirations. While unemployed, I explored various work opportunities and participated in pre-employment training programmes. Unfortunately, none of these paths aligned with my ambitions or personality, nor did they provide the life skills or qualifications I sought.
When I heard about the Springboard course and spoke with the Programme Manager, I felt a strong connection to the programme, believing it matched my skill set and ambitions. I was also impressed by Springboard’s success rate in helping individuals secure employment. The course appeared to be a serious and professional opportunity that I was eager to pursue.
Throughout the course, I experienced a high standard of learning, an inspiring tutor ethos, and clear expectations set for myself and my fellow trainees. The in-depth learning sessions and industry visit days, particularly to the ACC Liverpool facilitated by Sodexo, were invaluable. This visit deepened my interest in Events Management, which I began to see as a viable career path.
The camaraderie I developed with my fellow trainees further enhanced the learning experience and we worked together really well. I have a passion for helping others, and I enjoyed providing support to my peers. We collaborated effectively, and I still keep in touch with many of them now. On graduation day, I was honoured to receive the ‘Outstanding Peer Award’ which recognised the support I gave to others.
After completing the course, I undertook a work placement with Novotel Liverpool Paddington Village and also secured four interviews within 14 days. I ultimately accepted an offer from Sodexo to work as a Retail Floor Manager at the ACC Liverpool. In this role, I am responsible for running and managing cash catering kiosks, handling administrative duties for events, and ensuring that my team is well-prepared for their duties. After two months in this position, I am thrilled with my job and see great potential for progression.
I am immensely grateful to my Programme Manager for his helpfulness, knowledge, and passion, which propelled me to where I am today. A heartfelt thank you to everyone at Springboard, Diageo, and Sodexo for believing in me, restoring my self-worth, and helping me relaunch my career.
I’m on the verge of moving into my home for the first time, I’ve got a young son whose nearly one, and I’m probably going on holiday this year. I’m able to provide for myself and my family, I’m a lot more happier and everything has changed since the course.”
Chelsea Quinn, Andrew’s line manager, added “We’re very good at celebrating people here at Sodexo Live and personally, as Andrew’s line manager, he’s an amazing person to work with this it’s thoroughly deserved. Andrew is great at his job. He’s picking up things fast given he’s not worked in the industry. It’s not hard venue to work at – we’ve always git things on and are always busy. Looking at Andrew you wouldn’t think he hadn’t worked in this industry before.”
Owen Hicks
My lifelong dream has always been to work at McDonald’s. I discussed this with Becky, who made it her mission to help me make my dream a reality. My Springboard employability manager arranged and accompanied me to a meeting with our local McDonald’s Recruitment and Retention manager, Ami. During the meeting, we discussed my strengths and capabilities and I was thrilled to be offered a work placement. I enjoyed working as part of a team and learnt lots of new skills during my placement, working in the foyer area of the restaurant. Springboard were a great support during my placement and was always happy to help in any way.
I’m delighted to have been offered a permanent paid position in McDonald’s, all made possible by Springboard. I would have really struggled to achieve all this without their support and they really have made my dream come true.”
McDonald’s in Western Avenue, Cardiff have been incredibly supportive during Owen’s journey. They have altered the onboarding process to fit his needs, and he has a member of staff supporting him during his shifts. They loved Owen’s personality and eagerness to work and wanted to support his independence as a young man by offering a paid position.
Glen Wilson
The Destination Hospitality course has boosted my confidence and expanded my knowledge, offering valuable insights into the hospitality field. It has not only prepared me for what to expect, but also equipped me with the essential skills to succeed. Building connections and encountering a variety of experiences within the hospitality sector has been incredibly rewarding. This journey has been a delightful introduction to the countless opportunities available in the industry.
As part of the course, I developed a graphically designed CV specific to bartending. During the last week of the course, we went out ‘CV dropping’ in Liverpool city centre, and I targeted bars. I was surprised at the positive reception I got and was thrilled to be offered two work trials in local bars.
The week after the course, following on from a successful work trail, I was offered a Bartender role with Spanish Caravan in Liverpool.
If you’re considering joining Springboard, I encourage you to take that leap of faith. The courses will spark a passion for hospitality, surpass your expectations with the experiences offered, and provide a chance to build new connections and friendships.”
Holly Mitchell
While on the programme I acquired many skills such as employability skills, practical skills and I was provided with help and guidance with any questions that I had. I also got help in writing and creating my CV which I was struggling with beforehand.
Doing this course helped me gain confidence and made me more motivated. It allowed me to learn more about the industry which was extremely helpful as before joining this course I really struggled with my confidence and after this course I have noticed tremendous improvements in my confidence and overall motivation. I also really enjoyed the range of experiences; they were new to me and I got to try many new things as the course had so many things to offer. On one of our industry visits, I got to try Latte Art!
My favourite thing from the course was meeting the people -everyone was friendly and helpful, and I made many good friends. At the start, I was really anxious about meeting so many new people, however it was absolutely fine. Our trainer was so supportive, and she made everyone feel comfortable which helped me a lot. Human Bingo on the first day was a great ice-breaker!
After the first week of the course I was sent to a workplace for a week to gain experience in a job. I went to the Hilton Hotel in Cardiff where I worked as a Food and Beverage Assistant. I thoroughly enjoyed it and was so lucky to be offered a job there afterwards. When starting the course I didn’t expect to have a job by the end of it! I enjoyed every part of it.
I encourage others to do this programme as it has helped me so much in such little time and provides so many opportunities to many people. It can help people for different reasons; not knowing what they want to do, wanting to start work but unsure where, wanting to learn more, building confidence or helping if you are lacking motivation.”
Andrew Forber
The Springboard course has played a crucial role in boosting my confidence and expanding my skill set including bartending, front of house skills, barista knowledge, customer service, and public speaking. The highlight of the course for me was the opportunity to meet and interact with hospitality professionals.
After completing the course, I undertook a work placement with Nandos and was subsequently offered a position. I have been in my role for a month now and I’m really enjoying the job and work with a great team.
To anyone considering joining Springboard, my advice is simple – take the leap! Whether you are uncertain about your career path, seeking new skills, or looking to enhance your confidence, Springboard is the perfect choice. You will acquire valuable skills, build confidence, meet inspiring individuals, and have a high likelihood of securing employment in your desired sector if you work diligently and passionately towards your goals.”
Joe Whittle
The Destination Hospitality course has boosted my confidence and expanded my knowledge, offering valuable insights into the hospitality field. It has not only prepared me for what to expect, but also equipped me with the essential skills to succeed. Building connections and encountering a variety of experiences within the hospitality sector has been incredibly rewarding. This journey has been a delightful introduction to the countless opportunities available in the industry.
As part of the course, I developed a graphically designed CV specific to bartending. During the last week of the course, we went out ‘CV dropping’ in Liverpool city centre, and I targeted bars. I was surprised at the positive reception I got and was thrilled to be offered two work trials in local bars.
The week after the course, following on from a successful work trail, I was offered a Bartender role with Spanish Caravan in Liverpool.
If you’re considering joining Springboard, I encourage you to take that leap of faith. The courses will spark a passion for hospitality, surpass your expectations with the experiences offered, and provide a chance to build new connections and friendships.”