On Friday 4th October, as part of Apprenticeship Week, Springboard organised a West Midlands Hospitality Takeover Event at The Belfry Hotel and Resort.
This oversubscribed event hosted c.120 students from schools/academies across the region, plus accompanying adults. The itinerary for the day comprised of a series of activities hosted by expert leaders from The Belfry, to give students an insight into the numerous career opportunities within the Hospitality Industry.
Students from Smith’s Wood Academy [Kodi, Josh, Kadie, Kyle & Lacie] were fortunate enough to get the last five available spaces and their appreciation at being part of this prestigious event shone though all day. They arrived early on an INSET day, kitted out in their school uniform, and actively took part in each of the six sessions: Venue Tour; Mocktail Masterclass; Chef Tasting Session; Gala Service; Career Exhibition; and Towel Art.
Chloe Hynds-Clarke, Food Technician at Smith’s Wood and myself were truly impressed not only by the impeccable way students conducted themselves, but also that they acted upon practical advice given on how to behave in a professional work environment; they made a point of introducing themselves to staff and exhibitioners, keeping eye contact, shaking hands, offering to help clear up after activities and always showing their appreciation with a “thank you”. These actions demonstrated both the Smith’s Wood Academy values “Respectful, Ambitious, Resilient” and key life skills which will elevate them in their future careers.
Whilst this event was coordinated by Springboard, there will be further opportunities for students in our Trust to meet and interact with staff from The Belfry in careers assemblies and chef demos on academy sites, as well as through tours/work experience at The Belfry.
Finally, I would like to say a big thank you to some key members of staff who helped make this opportunity happen for our students. A perfect example of how together we can achieve our Trust mission “Enriching lives, transforming futures”.
Springboard: Rebekah Henry and team
The Belfry: Emma Oliveira, Dean Cole, Esther Pinedo; Varun Shetty, Anne Metcalfe Emma Wesley Myles, Maia Breedon, Nikhil Patel, Carolin Fisher & Kirsten Price
Smith’s Wood: Chloe Hynds-Clarke, Heather McLelland, Chantelle Reid
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