The Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation has awarded The Springboard Charity a £20,000 grant to support 42 young people facing barriers to employment.
The funding will support Springboard’s Destination Hospitality programme, which combines employability training, workplace experience and direct pathways into employment.
Sodexo’s early careers team will work with participants throughout the programme and provide ongoing support as they explore employment, apprenticeships and further training.
The company will also host Springboard’s two-day Introduction to Hospitality courses at three locations across England.
Participants will receive employability skills training, practical workplace experience and careers guidance, alongside sessions introducing them to the range of career opportunities available within hospitality.
Patrick Forbes, Chair of Trustees at the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation, said: “The Foundation’s mission is focused on addressing food insecurity, and this includes tackling the barriers that can prevent people from achieving financial stability in the first place.
“The value of this programme is that it is not simply about young people completing a course; it offers participants a practical and supported route towards employment and greater financial resilience.”
Springboard said 92% of participants across its programmes progress into employment, education or training, with 86% securing employment within hospitality and 81% remaining in work after 12 months.
Chris Gamm, CEO of Springboard UK, said: “We’re delighted to receive support from the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation for Destination Hospitality. Hospitality offers rewarding careers and clear opportunities for progression, but many young people lack the confidence, knowledge or connections needed to get started.
“This funding will enable us to provide practical skills, industry insight and direct pathways into employment for young people who need them most.”
Sodexo and Springboard will work together to help participants explore employment and development opportunities, including roles within Sodexo where appropriate.
The Destination Hospitality programme expects between 60% and 80% of participants to progress into positive destinations.
Jean Renton, CEO of Sodexo UK & Ireland, said: “Springboard has a strong track record of helping people facing disadvantage into hospitality careers, closely aligned to our commitment to social mobility.
“Attracting and retaining talent is critical to delivering great service to our clients and delivering on our growth ambitions. This is an exciting next step in our long-standing relationship with the charity and one that can make a real difference for young people while helping attract new talent into our industry.”
The programme builds on an existing relationship between Sodexo and Springboard spanning employability programmes, industry engagement and the FutureChef competition.
Sodexo employees will also support Destination Hospitality through volunteering, workplace visits and careers sessions.