Kamal Manhas is a bar waitress at the Michelin-starred Galvin at Windows restaurant. She is one of the apprentices from the inaugural Galvin's Chance programme, which offers disadvantaged young people an opportunity to start a front-of-house career. Manhas spoke to Kerstin Kühn
Caterer What's Galvin's Chance all about?
Kamal Mahas It's an inspirational "into work" programme leading to an apprenticeship, college programme or sustainable employment. Initiated by Galvin at Windows, it targets disadvantaged young people aged 18-24 not in education, employment or formal training, and offers them training and opportunities for a front-of-house career in some of the most prestigious hotels in London. The programme was launched last autumn with 20 young people - including myself - selected as the first lot of apprentices.
Caterer What were you doing before Galvin's Chance?
KM I didn't have a job and had been in part time work on and off for a few years. I was hanging out with the wrong crowd and had a lot of bad influences on my life, because of which I ended up in prison for 10 months. The convictions restricted my opportunities of finding work so when my probation officer told me about the Galvin's Chance programme I jumped at the chance to have something positive in my life.
Caterer What opportunities have you gained?
KMIt's opened so many doors for me and shown me opportunities I never even knew existed. I have learnt so much and it has changed my life, which wasn't very nice before, and has got me out of trouble. I'm really grateful to everyone involved in Galvin's Chance that I got this opportunity. I have learnt from scratch the art of hospitality, how to behave in front of customers, how to speak to them and how to be professional. I have grown up so much and now know how to carry myself well. I am planning on enrolling in a bar management course at Westminster Kingsway College to gain the necessary qualifications alongside the practical experience I have gained working at Galvin at Windows.
Caterer What has been the biggest highlight for you so far?
KMI got 100% positive feedback from a mystery diner, which was an amazing achievement. But I think the biggest highlight for me is when customers come and thank me when they leave. That makes me feel really proud.
Caterer What are the main challenges facing young people in London?
KMThere's a real lack of positive influence and guidance. For instance, a friend of mine got an E-grade in a test at school and the teacher's response was to say that there was no point in her even trying [again] and that she would fail. The teacher should have encouraged her and said that with hard work she could improve her grade. Kids also get bored very quickly and get into bad situations without realising it, until it's too late.