A group of 14 young people in west London were thrilled to graduate with flying colours from the Hospitality in Heathrow programme.

The youngsters were congratulated for their achievements and success in securing jobs at hotels near the airport by the Mayor of Hounslow Corinna Smart and Mayor of Hillingdon George Cooper on May 12.

The Springboard Charity which supports young people and the unemployed facing barriers to work within the hospitality industry, in partnership with the Heathrow Community Fund, set up the project to offer a route out of poverty for young unemployed people living in and around the airport.

Graduate Mohammed Ali Khali said: “I was unemployed for eight months before I joined the Hospitality in Heathrow programme and this course has motivated me and has given me the right skills and work experience which enabled me to get a job at Marriott Hotel.”

The Hospitality in Heathrow programme was awarded the donation under Heathrow Community Fund’s communities for youth grants programme.

Anne Pierce, CEO of Springboard charity, added: “This programme had a direct and lasting impact on the young people involved.

"It educated, inspired and provided them with the vital skills they need to help rebuild their lives and improve economic regeneration in the Heathrow area.”

For more information about the fund visit Heathrow Community Fund here and find out more about The Springboard Charity here.