Springboard launches online training and calls for volunteers to 'keep hospitality dream alive'

Springboard, the charity which offers training and support for those in the hospitality, leisure and tourism industry, is calling for volunteers to help continue its vital work in nurturing unemployed people to improve their career prospects.

In a response to the Covid-19 crisis, Springboard has made more than 40 of its knowledge, skills and training modules available online, from interview skills and CV writing to mindfulness, and is calling for more volunteers to help deliver its programme.

With both the charity and hospitality sectors devastated by the impact of Covid-19, Springboard has said it has had to "quickly reinvent delivery models to overcome the challenges of social distancing", while operating with a "lack of resource and reduced workforce".

The 30-year old charity has said it is particularly seeking those with a hospitality background, from hotel operations and HR to IT, marketing and communications, to offer as much or as little time as they can to work with its trainees by way of online tools such as webinars and social media.

Specific activities include recording video messages and offering one-to-one mentoring, as well as consultancy on specific business needs.

The programme was initially created in partnership with Hilton to offer volunteering opportunities to the hotel group's team members and has now been opened up to other partners across the industry.

Francesco D'Agostino, bar manager at the Hilton London Metropole, was one of the first to volunteer, running a mixology webinar earlier this month with fellow team member Serena Fedele.

Springboard's chief executive, Anne Pierce, said: "Many of our trainees are currently struggling to cope without an income, and need us, more than ever, to keep them engaged and motivated.

"We're grateful for the support provided by Hilton's team members, which will help ensure we continue to develop and grow our online training modules and create more engaging and motivational content. We will always need more volunteers and encourage anyone to get in touch to support – whether you can spare an hour a week – or some time every day."

Stephen Cassidy, managing director, UK and Ireland, Hilton, said: "Springboard plays a critical role in improving hospitality career prospects for disadvantaged and young people, but like all hospitality businesses, it has been hit hard by the Covid-19 crisis. At the same time, many of our hotels have suspended operations and team members are looking for positive ways to spend their time and share their expertise. Supporting young people is a key part of our Travel with Purpose 2030 goals, so we are delighted to see so many volunteers jump at the chance to help protect our industry's talent pipeline in preparation for recovery."

To find out more or to sign up to volunteer, visit Springboard's volunteering platform.

Thanks to Springboard's education programmes, guidance and partnerships with employers and key bodies, the charity which was founded in 1990 by Stephen Moss, has transformed and inspired the lives and careers of unemployed people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds by helping to improve their career potential in hospitality, leisure and tourism.