Tonight I was invited to attend Springboard’s Kick Start Your Career 2013 Graduation where school and college leavers that took part in this 3 week summer programme to gain work experience in the hospitality industry were awarded their certificates as they graduated. Their first week comprised of pre-placement training which was followed by two weeks work placement within London hotels and restaurants.

When I was there I met up with William Yarney who I knew from when I used to teach at Westminster Kingsway College, and have guided and supported him throughout his career. Willliam was there as part of the Kick Start Alumni having completed the programme back in 2007.

This year the programme recognised these young hospitality professionals with two new awards. The first was “The Rising Star Award” which recognised students who had gone the extra mile throughout the Kick Start programme and the winners were – Tara Goulding, Louis Smith and Laura Costello-Gale. Three names to keep an eye on in the industry as I am sure their careers will flourish within hospitality. The second award that was introduced was the “Star of the Future Award” and I am delighted to say that this was awarded to William Yarney.

Since William graduated from the Kick Start programme (which was then called Summer School) he has studied at Westminster Kingsway College on the Professional Food Service Diploma and is now studying for his Foundation Degree there. Whilst doing this he has also gained work at The Berkeley Hotel, The Fat Duck, and is currently working at The W Hotel. He is also an Ambassador for Springboard and is part of the Savoy Mentoring Scheme.

He has some fantastic plans for the future which cannot be revealed here, and I am looking forward to assisting him in getting them off the ground… if you want to know more then watch this space!