The milestone means that the charity, which aims to help 10,000 young people secure jobs in hospitality before the end of 2022, is halfway to achieving its ambitious mission. ‘Springboard to 2022’ is an industry solution to tackling hospitality, leisure and tourism’s long-term staffing crisis.
Chris Gamm, chief executive of Springboard, said: “Over the last 18 months, we have worked with our partners to provide employers with talented, motivated and engaged members of staff. With 5,000 young people now in employment and working with project partners Savoy Educational Trust, Barclays, BaxterStorey, Diageo and Trusthouse Charitable Foundation, we're delighted with what 'Springboard to 2022' has already achieved. With the sector's recovery ongoing, and plenty of talent still to be nurtured, we will continue doing everything we can to attract more young people to careers in the hospitality industry.”
Springboard supports young people into jobs in the hospitality industry via its employability training programmes that includes one-to-one mentoring, access to work experience placements and CV building.
Devonte Tulloch, a Springboard trainee (pictured), added: “That course was the best thing that ever happened to me. I got a job as a dishwasher, then I worked in the kitchens and prepared lunches for the players at Wimbledon. Now I have a new job working between the bar, the kitchen and front of house at the O2 Arena.
“My manager told me my customer service has improved a lot and that I’m an enthusiastic, hard worker. I am excited to be working here at such an iconic venue. I’ve got my mojo back. I am one billion per cent more confident than I was before I found Springboard.”
For more information on Springboard to 2022, visit: https://springboard.uk.net/support-us/springboard-to-2022/.