Diageo and The Springboard Charity celebrated the Diageo Learning for Life: Hospitality and Bartending Course graduation on 14th April 2016. Young London-based students successfully graduated following a six week training course for careers in hospitality.
The 2016 cohort of students from the London Learning for Life Hospitality and Bartending Course celebrated the completion of the course with a graduation ceremony at Diageo’s Global HQ in Park Royal, London. The scheme aims to help those from disadvantaged backgrounds who are struggling to find a job find their way back into the jobs market. The young people were joined by friends and family, charity training partner Springboard, placement providers and Diageo staff to celebrate their achievement.
Over the last six weeks the students have taken part in the course which has already transformed the lives of over 100,000 people in 35 countries worldwide. The course prepared the young people for work in the hospitality industry with a mix of technical and vocational qualifications, industry visits and soft skills development (for example CV writing and confidence building). This was followed by a two week work placement in a London pub or bar, organised by Springboard through their business partners, and then a guaranteed interview with a local employer.
The Diageo Learning for Life programme is delivered in partnership with the Springboard Charity. Springboard helps young people achieve their potential, nurtures unemployed individuals into work and helps alleviate poverty by supporting people into sustainable employment in the hospitality, leisure and tourism industry.
At the graduation ceremony, students talked about their experiences of the course, as well as their aspirations for the future. Graduates include:
Baljinder Jagdev, 28, Ealing
Juggling job hunting with being a full time mum is no mean feat and Baljinder has had to tackle both since leaving her last job as a recruiter. Despite an impressive CV and a degree in law, she had struggled to get back on the career ladder.
Although Bal had never considered working in the drinks industry, she came into the programme with an open mind. The fact she could gain six new qualifications was a big part of the programme’s appeal to her.
Thanks to the skills she has gained from Learning for Life, Bal plans to follow her dream and set up her own bar with her business partner. She’s already been accepted onto the Prince’s Trust enterprise programme to begin setting up her own company over the course of the next year.
Bal is due to finish her placement with Gather & Gather, a catering services at BBC Studios.
Bal said: “Learning for Life has helped me to turn my life around. The process of signing-on was a hugely disheartening experience, especially when you’re used to having your own money and freedom. One of the best things about doing the Diageo programme is that it has restored my sense of purpose. You’re thrown into an intense learning environment from day one and surrounded by enthusiastic people, so you can’t help but look forward to going to work.
“The programme has helped me develop into a calmer and humbler person. Now I want to use my positive experience to help others improve their lives.”
Shane Quest, 23, Hammersmith
Shane lives on his own and although he has worked previously as a cashier, he longs to find a more inspiring job. Despite being highly motivated, Shane’s dyslexia has made it difficult to show his full potential when filling out job applications.
Determined to try his hand at something different, with the help of the job centre, Shane put himself forward for the Learning for Life programme.
Shane has shown a real talent when it comes to cocktail making. From understanding how to strike the perfect balance between flavours, sugars and garnishes, to providing top quality customer service, Shane’s ability has shone through.
Having gone into the programme with no prior experience, Shane completes his placement at the London Cocktail Club full of confidence and well equipped to pour the perfect pint and create his own high quality cocktails.
Shane said: “Having spent most of my time in retail, I was ready to have a go at something new and the Diageo programme has allowed me to do that. Not many 23 year olds can say they’ve created their own cocktail.
“Taking part in the programme has been a huge confidence boost. I was surprised to see the level of people, organisation and expertise that goes into running a successful bar and even more surprised that I excelled in that environment.”
Konrad Toney, 18, Shepherd’s Bush
At 18 years old Konrad is one of the youngest of the graduates. With limited work experience, Konrad has found it hard to secure a job. He spent some time in a part time role at Queens Park Rangers FC, but now has his sights on something more challenging.
During the programme he has been overwhelmed by the supportive nature of his peers and found the business side of things fascinating. He has learnt how to make advanced cocktails and understand the ingredients that go into them. He has also improved his CV and developed his experience, making him better positioned to be considered for future roles.
Konrad completed his placement at Babylon bar at Kensington Roof Gardens and is looking into taking up a vocational course in hospitality so he can apply all he’s learnt over the recent months.
Konrad said: “Learning for Life has given me the confidence, skills and experience that I need for the world of work. As a result I’m considering taking what I’ve learnt a step further and applying to do a course in hospitality or business at college.
“The nature of the programme means you’re constantly learning on the job and the networking opportunities help you meet some of the most exciting characters in the industry.”
Andrew Cowan, Country Director of Diageo GB said:
“For many young Londoners, searching for a job can be a daunting prospect. However, exciting opportunities within the hospitality industry are ripe for the taking for any individual with the right talent and drive.
“Now for the second year, I couldn’t be happier that Diageo is playing a role in providing Londoners with the skills and confidence needed to make a success within the vibrant hospitality industry we are so passionate about.
“From becoming a master cocktail maker to starting their own bar, who knows what these students will go on to achieve!”
Anne Pierce, MBE, Chief Executive Officer of Springboard said:
“Springboard is pleased to partner with the Diageo Learning for Life programme and of our key role in delivering the programme not only in London, but throughout Scotland and also in Runcorn. Over 600 graduates have participated on 55 courses to date, with 71% going into sustained employment. The course offers great opportunities to young unemployed people by providing them with key employability skills, on-the-job work experience, industry qualifications and on-going support and mentoring. 90% of graduates say the course increased their self-confidence and motivation to work.
“As a result of Springboard’s support the graduates have developed their hospitality skills and knowledge and can all be extremely proud of their achievements. The skills they have developed will open doors to amazing opportunities with many of the hospitality business partners we work with and it’s great to see the positive transformation in these young adults.”
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