Employability skills

Springpod’s Employability Skills are designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world expectations, helping young people to develop these transferable skills through scenario-based learning, interactive content, and practical activities.

Find a skill you want to improve
Work through the tasks
Test what you've learned  
Use your new skills to land a job
Smartly dressed Marriott waiter working on an ipad.

A groundbreaking project to unearth the future of hospitality

Be Inspired

Hospitality is full of opportunity - and we want more people to see what it's like.

Marriott International and Movement to Work have created these courses in the UK to open the doors wide, giving you a free, accessible way to explore the industry, try out different roles, and build confidence in your skills.

Marriott employee smiling whilst interacting with customer.
Be Curious
Virtual Work Experience

A virtual work experience is a free online programme that lets you test drive a career. In just a few hours, you’ll explore real jobs in hospitality, take part in interactive activities, and build the skills that employers value. You’ll also earn a certificate you can add to your CV or LinkedIn, helping you feel more confident about your next step.

Employability skills

Springpod’s Employability Skills are designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world expectations, helping young people to develop these transferable skills through scenario-based learning, interactive content, and practical activities.

Confidence built. Readiness proven.

Female bartender smiling whilst making a cocktail.
Be Ready

At Marriott, you can be a part of something bigger than yourself, be inspired by what’s possible, and discover your own future.

Each of these Experiences is free and flexible. You can learn at your own pace, from anywhere.

Along the way, you’ll build real-world skills employers look for, like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.

This is your chance to take the first step - toward a job, a career, and a future in hospitality.

Female Marriott employee smiling, pictured outside amongst greenery.
Be Confident

These experiences are designed to give you more than information – they give you a space to learn and grow without the pressure. By the end, you’ll:

  • Understand what different hospitality careers actually involve.
  • Recognise which roles and skills feel right for you.
  • Know the next steps you can take, from further training to applying for jobs.

Confidence built. Choices made. Future unlocked.

Professionally dressed Marriott employee smiling.

Step 1

Check your existing skills with our interview coach

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Two female Marriott employees smiling and chatting in front of decorative flowers.
10 minutes
Have a virtual chat with our Interview Coach

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Complete employability skills experiences

1-2 hours
employability skills
Problem solving

Problem solving means finding solutions when things go wrong or challenges arise. It involves thinking clearly, staying calm, exploring options, and making smart choices. Good problem solvers don’t give up easily and learn from mistakes to improve.

1-2 hours
employability skills
Adaptability

Adaptability means being able to adjust to new situations or changes. It helps you stay calm, learn quickly, and handle challenges. Being adaptable makes it easier to succeed when things don’t go as planned or when trying something new.

1-2 hours
employability skills
Communication

Communication is sharing ideas clearly by speaking, writing, or listening. It helps you express yourself, understand others, and work well in teams. Good communication builds trust, solves problems, and makes learning and friendships stronger.

1-2 hours
employability skills
Emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence means understanding and managing your own feelings, and recognizing how others feel. It helps you stay calm, make good choices, handle stress, and build strong relationships through empathy, respect, and good communication.

1-2 hours
employability skills
Teamwork

Teamwork means working well with others to reach a common goal. It involves listening, sharing ideas, helping each other, and respecting everyone’s role. Good teamwork builds trust, solves problems faster, and makes tasks easier and more fun.

Step 3

Test your improved skills with our interview coach

With our AI Interview Coach, you can put those skills into practice in a realistic, judgment-free environment. Confidence built. Readiness proven.

Two female Marriott employees smiling and chatting in front of decorative flowers.
10 minutes
Have a virtual chat with our Interview Coach

What is an employability skill?

Employability skills, sometimes called soft skills, transferable skills, or workplace skills, are the personal strengths and people skills that help you do well in basically any job. They’re not about technical stuff (like knowing how to code or cook); they're about how you show up at work and team up with others. Think of them as your behind-the-scenes superpowers.

Interactive online learning

These experiences provide an engaging platform for you to explore different industries and careers from the comfort of your own home.

Practical skills development

You will complete real-world tasks and projects designed with top employers, helping you gain practical insights and workplace skills.

Flexible and accessible

The experiences can be completed at your own pace, in your own time, and often include live talks or webinars with industry professionals.

Browse experiences
Marriott employee smiling
Hear from other young people

“I never thought I’d get a glimpse into what it takes to work in a hotel—but this virtual experience let me explore real hospitality roles and try out interactive tasks. I worked through it at my own pace, got a certificate for my CV, and now I feel this could actually be my future. I’ve already started looking for other ways to level up my skills!”

Ella, 16

“I chose the Front of House taster and it was so much more than just clicking through lessons. The scenario-based activities made me feel like I was on the job—thinking on my feet, communicating with ‘guests’, and solving little challenges. I’m more confident about applying for real roles.”

Jamal, 17

“Signing up took literally two minutes, and I could start exploring straight away. I learned what different hospitality paths actually involve, from Food & Drink to Front of House, and even tried out teamwork and problem-solving exercises. By the end, I left feeling like I might be ready to take on real-world jobs or training in hospitality.”

Sophie, 18
Female receptionist smiling whilst sitting behind desk.
Frequently asked questions

Here we can answer any questions about the experiences you may have. If your question isn’t on the list - please contact support by clicking on the chat icon in the bottom right corner of your screen.