Nestlé Professional and Sodexo inspire UK school pupils through the Choose Hospitality Pledge
We're continuing our mission to inspire young people through the Choose Hospitality Pledge programme, collaborating with Sodexo to deliver impactful career workshops at iconic venues: Hampden Park in Glasgow, Everton FC’s Goodison Park, and Brighton & Hove Albion FC’s American Express Stadium. Later this year, we're also excited to host a workshop at Newcastle United FC’s St James' Park.
Transforming perceptions, shaping futures
With current projections indicating a looming talent deficit in the hospitality industry, the Choose Hospitality Pledge initiative is crucial for attracting young talent. This summer term, secondary school pupils across the UK had the opportunity to participate in our career workshops, delivered in partnership with Sodexo.
Immersive learning experiences
At each venue, students engaged in hands-on skills taster sessions, such as setting tables for banquets and participating in tray relays—a practical introduction to the challenges of hospitality work, while developing key transferrable skills such as working as a team and communication skills.
Panel events were a key feature, bringing together speakers from Nestlé Professional, Sodexo, and local industry experts. Students got the opportunity to ask questions and gain valuable insights into different career pathways within hospitality, including specialist college courses, apprenticeships, and direct employment.
At the Brighton workshop, attendees were inspired by Steven Edwards, chef patron at Etch, and Elycia Rayner, our 2023 Toque d'Or back-of-house finalist who is now starting a new role at the Manor Houses’ Michelin starred restaurant Bybrook. Similar enriching sessions took place at the Everton workshop, where Steven Hesketh, founder of The Hospitality Hero, Savvy Hotel Group and Savvy Collection, broadened students' perspectives on hospitality careers.
If you’d like to support the Choose Hospitality Pledge and dedicate one hour of your time to attend and deliver a careers workshop at your local school, register via Springboard CareerScope and we’ll connect you with a secondary school near you.
