THIRTEEN trainee chefs celebrated their graduation from Celtic FC Foundation’s Magners Employability Project on Friday night (17 November), which returned for its third intake, helping unemployed people into work in the hospitality industry.
The chefs, ranging from age 19 to 50, showed off their new skills at a Graduation Ceremony at Celtic Park, where they cooked a three-course meal for 80 guests, including their friends, family and former Celtic captain Tom Boyd.
Each of the 13 graduates who participated in the three-month training programme are now guaranteed employment in some of Glasgow’s top kitchens including G1, Jurys Inn, Holiday Inn, Q Hotels, Accor Hotels and Cordia.
This is the third intake of the Employability project, which sees Magners partner with Celtic FC Foundation and the award-winning Tennent’s Training Academy (TTA) to teach new skills to adults who are registered as long-term unemployed. The intensive 12-week project which was first launched in 2015 has now seen over 29 graduates move into work across the city.
George Kyle, head of sponsorship and PR for Magners said: “We’re incredibly proud of what Celtic FC Foundation’s Magners Employability Project has achieved in just three short intakes. Working with Celtic FC Foundation and the TTA enables us to provide a fantastic level of support to our participants, and today’s celebrations mark the next stage in their life journey. We wish all graduates the very best as they move forward into employment with some of Glasgow’s most famous hospitality providers.”
Tony Hamilton, Chief Executive at Celtic FC Foundation, added: “Employability epitomises Celtic FC Foundation’s core ethos, as well as enshrining our values around Health, Equality, Learning and Poverty. Giving people an opportunity to better themselves is hugely important to us.
“Magners really understand the goal of the project and their support, as well as that of the Tennent’s Training Academy, is invaluable. It’s a pleasure to see another intake of students graduate from the project, and see the positive impact that has been made to their lives.”
