The future careers of the hospitality students of Hugh Baird College’s L20 Hotel School are being given a head start thanks to hospitality charity Springboard through their KickStart event.
The Springboard Charity, now in its 26th year, acts as a launch pad to encourage young people to embark on a career in the hospitality industry. Springboard does this through a variety of programmes and activities across the UK.
KickStart covers preparation for work, a structured two-week work experience placement and short skills courses such as World Host Customer Service. Employers also get a chance to talent-spot and Springboard helps secure permanent work or apprenticeships. There is a high conversion rate of more than 80% progressing to a job or on to a higher level hospitality related course. Hospitality organisation from the Liverpool City Region who continue to offer great opportunities with KickStart include the Thornton Manor Estate, Malmaison, Premier Inn Liverpool City Centre, Sodexo and Yo Sushi.
One student who has benefitted from the KickStart programme is Culinary Skills student, Daniel Claire, who undertook short courses in first aid, butchery skills and fish mongering during the programme and also enjoyed a successful placement at The Thornton Manor Estate said:
“The KickStart programme was excellent. The short courses have really strengthened my CV and as a result of the placement, I hope to be offered a permanent position.”
Ben Armstrong who is also on the KickStart programme also added:
“The opportunities I’ve had since arriving at the L20 Hotel School at Hugh Baird College have been amazing. The KickStart programme is just another example of this. I got to meet a number of employers from Liverpool and thanks to this I am hopeful of starting a job at Everton Football Club. I’m really excited.”
Hospitality Curriculum Coordinator Mark Amesbury, said:
“The KickStart programme from Springboard is in sync with our philosophy here at the L20 Hotel School. We replicate real working conditions so that students leave us ready to move seamlessly in to job roles within the hospitality sector. Thanks to Springboard, we have been able to further prepare the learners by providing them with introductions to major players in the Liverpool hospitality world and also bolster their CVs with additional qualifications that make them more employable.”
Craig Robson, General Manager at Thornton Manor Country Estate said:
“We are delighted to be involved with Springboard and the L20 Hotel School on such a worthwhile project. Developing the future of the hospitality industry is at the heart of the Thornton Manor Country Estate ethos and the students I met today all really impressed me.”
Suzanne Chilvers, Head of Springboard North, said:
“The visitor economy in the North of England is booming and growth is rivalling that of London. There is no better time to explore a career in hospitality and tourism!”