A young man who is not in employment, education or training has been snapped up for an apprenticeship after accountancy managers spotted his skills at an event to raise money for Smile.

Sam Gibson, 22, from Goole, took part in our Devil’s Kitchen event at the Holiday Inn, Hull Marina, on May 26.

Two teams of young people, who are part of the Humber Local Enterprise Partnership’s (LEP) Springboard programme, created a dining experience with a difference to raise a fantastic total of £1,259.80 for Smile.

Dozens of diners from the business community watched their efforts as they competed against the clock to prepare starters, main courses and desserts, with scores awarded by guests.

Now, after impressing 360 Chartered Accountants Director Andy Steele at the event, Sam has completed a four-week internship and is now embarking on a year-long apprenticeship in business administration at the firm in Hull city centre.

Andy said: “We were very impressed with the positivity, hard work and professionalism of Sam and his colleagues.

“Hats off to them all for stepping out of their comfort zones in an attempt to get the break they deserve.

“We thought it was a fantastic concept and couldn’t believe the number of interviews and placements that were being arranged.

“Thankfully we got to Sam before anyone else could and two clients have already contacted us to say what a fantastic greeting they received from him.

“He even learned how to say: ‘Hello, what would you like to drink?’ in Spanish when one of our Spanish clients visited recently.”

The Humber LEP drives growth of the Humber economy for the benefits of communities in Hull, the East Riding, North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire.

Its Skills Pledge aims to bridge the gap and encourage joint working between education, employers, training providers, local councils and organisations, such as Jobcentre Plus, ensuring up-to-date information on skills and training is widely communicated.

Springboard is a Humber-wide programme coordinated by the LEP, which aims to reduce the number of 18-24-year-olds who are not in education, employment or training (NEET), by supporting them into these areas.

Sam said: “I am really enjoying my time at 360 and I love working here.

“The team have made me feel really welcome and I have gained lots of valuable experience from this opportunity.

“It has certainly reinforced the fact that I wish to pursue a career in business administration or customer service.

“I answer the phone, greet clients, sort the post and complete other tasks each day.

“I didn’t expected this opportunity to come from Devil’s Kitchen and I’m so pleased.”

The blue team won the Devil’s Kitchen event.

Ann Newlove, Skills Pledge Coordinator at the Humber LEP said although this particular Devil’s Kitchen was a change from corporate teams battling it out in the kitchen, it was a success for all involved.

She said: “The format, whilst a tried and tested model, was well and truly put to the test by moving away from the corporate norm to one offering young people not currently in employment, education or training a real opportunity to showcase their skills.

“All of our young people did an amazing job.  They moved from a position of nerves and self-doubt at the start of the day to becoming much more confident individuals with new-found skills to be proud of.

“Raising money for the Smile Foundation was a happy by-product, with our real aim being to give this group of young people some up to date work experience and the opportunity for their skills to be seen.

“We are thrilled for Sam and so pleased he gained this valuable opportunity at 360 as a result of being able to showcase his skills.”

Other young people who took part in Devil’s Kitchen said employment doors have also been opened up for them.

Robyn Jack, 20, from Beverley, said: “I enjoyed meeting and greeting the guests, as well as doing my best to serve them and make sure they had an enjoyable evening at the event.

“It was great to work as part of the team, as well gaining experience and new skills that will help me in obtaining further work in the future.

“This unique opportunity provided me with a chance to meet a range of employers and I was successful in obtaining a front of house work trial.”

Billie-Jean Cater, 20, from Bridlington, said: “I was really nervous on the night, as I was unsure of what to expect.

“We all worked hard and as a team to prepare for guests arriving on the night, and everyone was really nice and friendly.

“They made me feel valued and at ease. I feel I learned a lot of new skills, as well being able to talk to some employers about my future employment interests.”

Since it was launched in 2010, more than £300,000 has been raised through Devil’s Kitchen to benefit Smile and other worthy causes.

Thousands of guests have dined at a Devil’s Kitchen event and the concept has expanded nationally, with cities including Newcastle, York, Sheffield, Liverpool, Glasgow and Manchester embracing the idea.

Smile’s Organiser Sarah Shepherdson said: “The teams from the Springboard programme gave us an amazing show, displaying true professionalism from the moment they arrived on site.

“The lucky recipients of this event were members of the business world who have signed up to the Humber LEP Skills Pledge, offering work experience and more to young people taking part in the programme.

“Their generous donations will help Smile Foundation continue to bring good intentions to life.

“Sam gaining an apprenticeship at 360 is definitely the icing on the cake and a fantastic experience for him. We wish him and his fellow Springboard team every success for the future.”

For more information about Devil’s Kitchen, visit www.devils-kitchen.co.uk