Wylie's Journey - Bridge to Employment

After spending over two decades working for Nike in Hong Kong, moving to the UK was a significant transition. With a background in IT and data, Wylie had high hopes of continuing his career in a similar field. However, the reality of the UK job market proved daunting. Over two years, he applied for more than 300 positions and secured just a handful of interviews, an exhausting and disheartening experience that left them questioning what he was doing wrong.

When Wylie joined the "Bridge to Employment" programme, he was eager for guidance. The programme offered structured training that introduced him to essential knowledge about safeguarding, employment regulations, and health and safety in the UK. For someone new to the country’s workplace norms, this training filled critical gaps and began to restore his confidence. 

One of the most meaningful aspects of the training was the personal connections he formed. Conversations with the ACH team like Julia, Neil, and Nesrin left a lasting impact. These one-on-one discussions provided not only practical advice but also encouragement, which was particularly valuable after such a long period of professional uncertainty. 

The work placement became a turning point. Although it had been two years since he last worked, the environment was welcoming, and the staff were supportive. Wylie approached the placement with humility and a willingness to learn, starting with simple tasks to build his confidence. He noticed that the working atmosphere wasn’t so different from Hong Kong, which made the adjustment smoother. 

By the end of the programme, his perseverance paid off: He secured a full-time position as an event waiter at a hotel. While this role was different from his original aspirations in IT or data, it was a critical first step into the UK job market. The hotel offered not only a job but also opportunities for growth and training, which aligned with his long-term goal of building a meaningful career. 

Reflecting on the programme’s impact, Wylie described how it transformed both their professional and personal outlook. Without it, he might still be sending out applications with little idea of how to improve his chances. Instead, he had his first UK job and a newfound confidence in his ability to adapt and succeed. 

Looking ahead, Wylie is determined to make the most of this opportunity. His immediate goal is to connect with colleagues, understand the hospitality industry, and explore the roles and paths available within the hotel. He appreciates that his workplace values growth and mobility and is excited about the possibility of moving into new positions as he gains experience.

"The Bristol Hotel proudly partnered with the ACH programme to support refugees and migrants in building careers in the hospitality industry. The programme equips participants with essential skills and knowledge for long-term success. A shining example is Wylie, who completed a work placement with us across Kitchen, Maintenance, and Housekeeping. With guidance from our managers and team, Wylie gained hands-on experience and developed the skills needed to excel.

At The Bristol Hotel, we are passionate about promoting hospitality as a rewarding career path for people from all backgrounds and are excited to have Wylie join our team."
– Nicola Stones, People and Culture Manager, The Bristol Hotel, Doyle Collection.

When asked if he would recommend the "Bridge to Employment" programme, Wylie didn’t hesitate: “For anyone unfamiliar with UK employment practices, I believe the programme is invaluable. Learning about safeguarding and regulations, having a structured path to employment, and receiving personal support made all the difference in my journey”.