Savoy college mentoring scheme celebrates

Prompted by a looming management skills shortage triggered by worrying drop-out rates in higher education, the hospitality industry decided to take matters into their own hands and set up their own mentoring scheme. Now a year on, The Savoy Society Mentoring Scheme has celebrated its first Alumni Dinner at Brown's Hotel in Mayfair, toasting the 15 hospitality management students from some of the UK's top hospitality-centred colleges and universities who form the scheme's initial clutch of students. The evening also provided an opportunity to thank the 15 Savoy Society members who have pledged up to two years as mentors. Each student has been paired with a mentor following a process of interviews and written assignments. Mentors will provide the guidance, influence and access to networks that can inspire promising talent to stay the course, complete their degrees and join the industry. To help ensure the scheme's success, The Savoy Society chose Springboard UK to co-ordinate the programme, banking on its profile and track record for encouraging ew entrants to the industry. Stuart Johnson, general manager of Brown's and chairman of the Savoy Society Mentoring Scheme, said: "The first year of our mentoring scheme has proved an even greater success than we hoped for. We now have a firm foundation for an initiative to support tomorrow's managers, and we expect it to grow from strength to strength." Petrina Johnson, a student from Sheffield Hallam University, said: "Having won a place on this valuable mentoring scheme has already benefited me in many ways. Just having that guidance, advice and support gives me a lot of personal encouragement, making me want to aim higher in my career." James Matthews, a student from the University of Surrey, said: "One quote sums up this fantastic scheme for me – 'To become the best, learn from the best'. More than an advisor, my mentor has been like a father figure to me." Dee Smith of Springboard said: "Enabling career progression and development is a central focus of The Springboard Charity's work and The Savoy Society Mentoring Scheme complements our aims and ethos well. It's a privilege to work closely with such a prestigious industry organisation." Also present at the champagne reception and dinner were the sponsors of the scheme, including Lynn Murray of Louis Jadot, David Punter of Casna Limited, Nick Scade of the Lord Forte Foundation, Mark Norris of Profile and Sally Atkinson of Atkinson Executive.