We’re so proud to share a success story from one of our employability training graduates. A big hand for Hugh, who not only completed his hospitality course this week, but also secured his first job. We couldn’t be prouder of him!
Hugh’s Experience
Hugh recently completed our Employability Fund training course, passing with flying colours. Through studying with us, he learned a range of core employability skills. This included teamwork, CV-writing, communication and interviewing techniques. He also gained hands-on work experience on the depot floor at FareShare Glasgow & the West of Scotland.
After his success in completing the course, Hugh expressed an interest in moving on to a career in hospitality. With the help of a referral from Move On, he secured a place on the IHG Hotels & Resorts Hospitality School, in association with Hub International and Action for Children. He’s had the most amazing time on this whirlwind of a course. As well as learning core skills such as food safety, customer service and money management, he took part in classes on pizza making, mocktail mixing, and barista training. He also got to visit some of the incredible hospitality venues Glasgow has to offer, including Hampden Park, and Mackintosh at the Willow.
The course also offered Hugh the chance to gain some real work experience in the Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel; one of the top 5 star destinations in the city. They were so impressed with our cheeky chappie that they offered him an interview at the end of his placement. Hugh absolutely smashed it, thanks to the skills he’s gained through his training, and the hard work he’s put in. He received the call just minutes before the ceremony started yesterday, confirming he’s secured a job as Banqueting Assistant at the Blythswood! Hugh will be serving at their top occasions – weddings, VIP events, you name it. We’ve seen the amazing talent Hugh has to offer, and we just know this is the perfect opportunity for him to shine!
A Special Day
Development Worker Michael, who supported Hugh on the course, was so excited to be there to see him graduate at Glasgow’s Grand Central Hotel. Guests got the opportunity to take a look at some of the work the trainees had done in their group sessions, including putting together their own vision boards of their perfect hospitality experience. Hugh has a real passion for a Tesco meal deal, and he wants to find a way to bring it to the luxury hospitality sector someday! They also enjoyed a delicious lunch and mocktails, prepared and served by Hugh and his fellow trainees. The guests also got the chance to hear about some of the trainees’ ideas for future hospitality ventures. Hugh’s concept, Aff Yer Pits, was for an adult soft-play pit with built-in bar. We think it has some real potential!
Hugh even had the confidence to get up and give a little speech after the presentation. He thanked both Michael and our Senior Development Worker Shug for helping him find his path. He managed to discover his love for hospitality through studying with us.
We’ve been so proud to help Hugh on his journey. Before finding us, Hugh was struggling to engage with his education or find a job. He felt that studying on the Employability Fund helped him to really focus on what he wants to do. He’s shown so much dedication since, proving how far he’s come. We’re sure his career in hospitality will be a huge success!