With youth unemployment rates still alarmingly high, over 900,000 young people across the UK are currently not in education, employment or training (NEET) [ONS Labour Market Statistics, 2025] - a figure that continues to highlight the urgent need for accessible, meaningful routes into work.
In response, Accenture, Marriott UK and Movement to Work (MtW), in partnership with Springpod, have come together to launch an innovative new model of virtual-to-reality work experience and skills development, designed to help young people from underserved communities find their path into employment.
A collaborative approach to real change
Each partner brings a distinct strength to this initiative:
- Accenture, a leading solutions and global professional services company, is providing funding and helping to shape the programme’s strategic design, ensuring it delivers measurable outcomes for participants.
- Movement to Work, the leading youth employability charity, is coordinating wraparound support through a number of its youth partners (Shaw Trust, Centrepoint, ThinkForward, Aviard, Street League) - ensuring the opportunities reach those who need them most.
- Marriott UK, as hospitality industry leaders, are sharing their expert knowledge in the design of content and providing in-person work experience placements across their hotels, giving participants a genuine taste of life in the sector.
From virtual experience to real-world opportunity
At the top of the funnel, the initiative begins with an open-access virtual work experience (VWEX) programme designed to give young people a clear, inspiring introduction to the hospitality industry. The experience offers a broad overview of the sector, highlighting its global importance, diverse career paths, and the skills that make it one of the most rewarding industries to work in.
Participants can then explore two career simulations, spotlighting distinct hospitality pathways:
- Front of House – This simulation highlights the essential skills that define first impressions in hospitality. It showcases the importance of communication, problem-solving, and customer care in delivering outstanding guest experiences - competencies that are transferable and highly sought after across multiple sectors.
- Food & Beverage – Focused on one of the most fast-paced and creative areas of hospitality, this simulation brings to life the teamwork, precision and innovation required to deliver memorable dining experiences. It provides valuable insight into the operational excellence and people skills that underpin success in the industry.
All of the content is on-demand and flexible, allowing participants to learn at their own pace (either independently or with guidance from a mentor or support worker). Their progress is automatically saved on their Springpod dashboard, meaning they can start an experience and pick it up later on without losing progress.
The experience offers rich insight into the hospitality industry, including its history, current trends, future outlook, and social responsibility, as well as dedicated career spotlights on Marriott. Through expert videos, interactive quizzes, and reflection tasks, participants will be encouraged to think critically, solve real-world challenges, and imagine themselves thriving in the workplace.
Following completion of the virtual experience, 1,000 young people (with young people not in education, employment or training prioritised) will progress onto virtual Employability Skills sessions, and coaching, to help them prepare for in-person placements or to progress onto job applications and early careers interviews.
After engaging with the virtual offering, Marriott are offering 200 participants the opportunity to take part in in-person work experience placements at Marriott hotels initially across London and Edinburgh only.
This blended model is designed to build confidence, develop employability skills, and open doors to future opportunities.
Creating lasting impact
By combining Accenture’s strategic know-how, Movement to Work’s deep social impact network, and Marriott’s hospitality expertise, this partnership is more than a programme - it’s a pathway to possibility for those too often left behind.
“We’re incredibly proud to be part of this partnership with Accenture, Movement to Work and Marriott UK. This initiative is about breaking down barriers, opening doors, and giving young people the confidence, skills and real-world experience they need to succeed. Seeing them take their first steps towards a meaningful career is truly inspiring — and we can’t wait to see the difference this programme will make across the UK!”
— Sam Hyams, CEO, Springpod
“We’re excited to launch this programme, together with Marriott, Springpod and Movement to Work in the UK. This initiative reflects our deep commitment to creating inclusive opportunities for young people facing barriers to employment. By combining virtual learning with real-world experience, we’re helping to unlock potential, build confidence, and open doors to meaningful careers in different ways. It’s an important example of what’s possible when purpose-driven collaboration meets innovation - and we’re excited about the impact this model can have for young people across the country.”
— Camilla Drejer, Managing Director, EMEA Corporate Citizenship, Accenture
This collaboration is a powerful example of Movement to Work’s convening power – bringing together our employers and youth partners to break down barriers and create real opportunities for young people who need them most. I’m proud that Accenture, Marriott UK, and Springpod are working with us to take an innovative approach to work experience, addressing what young people tell us is their biggest barrier to employment: a lack of experience itself. I’m excited for the impact this will have on their futures.”
— Sareena Bains, CEO, Movement to Work
“We are incredibly proud to launch this hybrid work experience programme in partnership with Accenture, Movement to Work, and Springpod. At Marriott, we’re committed to opening our doors to young people and giving them the opportunity to experience the energy and variety of our industry first-hand. Hospitality is an exciting global sector offering a wealth of pathways and opportunities. Many of our leaders began their journeys with us through work experience or internships, and with this initiative, we hope to inspire the next generation to start their own careers in hospitality.”
— Joanna Chugh, Regional Vice President - UK, Ireland and Nordics, Marriott
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