We recently completed our weeklong Passport 2 Employment programme, which introduces candidates to basic hospitality skills and empowers them through personal development and employment opportunities. 8 candidates referred to us by charities such as Amber Web and Thames Reach attended the course.   

As some of the candidates had not considered a job in hospitality before attending the programme, the staff at Brasserie Zedel shared their career journeys. Adam, a Senior Sous Chef, told us how he joined the company in 2008 and Angele revealed that she became the Bar Manager at Bar Americain after falling in love with the space as a customer! The diverse and sometimes unintentional ways that people land careers in hospitality became evident to our candidates – something so important as they reflect upon their own working pathways.  

A key theme of the week was stepping outside our comfort zones and adopting growth mindsets. The candidates’ willingness to share their experiences with each other, and their creative thinking when it came to tasks, really stood out from the outset.  

This willingness to try new experiences came to the fore with Tuesday’s masterclasses and Wednesday’s work experience shift. The team all showed up early as they couldn’t wait to get stuck in. Whether they were setting up the tables at Brasserie Zedel or taking drinks orders at the bar, the candidates rolled up their sleeves, listened to the advice given by the managers and stepped into their temporary roles as it were their first day at work. 

On Thursday, the candidates learned the skills needed to succeed in job interviews. With mock interviews led by Simon Wedlock, the Wolseley Hospitality Group’s Senior Recruitment manager, the candidates were given a safe space to receive constructive feedback and learn from their mistakes. Simon noted that the growth in the candidates’ confidence as the week progressed was remarkable, as was the desire to listen & learn from those mentoring them.  

We were delighted to hear from the Wolseley Hospitality Group’s CEO, Baton Berisha, on our final day, where he shared his story of arriving in the UK as a teenage refugee, experiencing homelessness and working his way up from cleaning restaurants to managing one of the most reputable hospitality groups in the country. The unique nature of hospitality in creating the conditions for people like Baton to thrive was inspiring for our candidates, many of whom saw themselves in his story.  

We’d like to thank Brasserie Zedel and the Wolseley Hospitality Group for opening their doors and welcoming the candidates, readying them for work and offering employment to those willing to take their next steps.