Into Work Programme - Renaldo Gomes

Earlier this year, we partnered with leading hospitality industry charity Springboard and Government delivery partner Spectra First to sign up to the Care Leaver Covenant and support young people coming out of care, giving them a great opportunity to start a career in the food services industry and really flourish.

The ‘Into Work Programme’ offers a two-week pre-employability scheme, which results in a guaranteed interview for a live vacancy within our business. If successful, there is the chance to progress onto one of 31 different apprenticeship courses kick-starting the participants’ career development and most importantly sustainable employment.

Our aim is to provide support for those leaving care looking for employment in the hospitality sector and here’s how we’re helping Renaldo Gomes:

African born Renaldo moved to the UK in 2011, when he was 12, and after a difficult relationship with his mum ended up in the care system at just 13 years old. Renaldo enjoyed school and flourished at college but found it difficult to find a job because of his lack of work experience. Enfield Social Services pointed Renaldo in the direction of our ‘Into Work Programme’ and he signed up to the scheme with a view to securing a customer service role.

Renaldo says: “Everything on the programme was great, I learned a lot about interviewing, doing my CV, working in customer service and how to conduct myself in really professional environments. At the end of the two-weeks I had an interview for a role at a financial services company and after a trial customer services shift, I got offered the job! I’m over the moon to work for a company like Compass Group UK & Ireland.”  

Renaldo starts his job in November and is really excited about the future, this is his first job and a huge step for him. He goes on to say: “My confidence has really improved, and I can’t wait to get going. I’m really happy I did the 'Into Work Programme'.”