Magners Employability Programme will return for its fifth year, offering unemployed people expert training in the hospitality sector, ultimately helping them into work within the industry.
Funded by Magners Irish Cider, delivered by the award-winning Tennent’s Training Academy and supported by Celtic FC Foundation throughout, the 10-week programme will focus on front of house skills for the 2019 intake.
Aimed at people who are keen to work in the varied and vibrant hospitality industry, the programme will see 12 successful applicants train at state of the art facilities at both the Tennent’s Training Academy and Celtic Park.
Apprentices will cover the basics of bartending, with classes in Customer and Drinks Service, Professional Cocktail and Barista Skills and a Whisky Masterclass. By the end of the programme, graduates will have gained two qualifications, receiving their Personal Licence and a qualification in Customer Service. They will have undertaken real work experience, with the opportunity of employment offered by some of the biggest names in hospitality after graduation.
Those interested in applying are invited to attend an Open Day on either Wednesday 4th September at Celtic Park at 10am or Thursday 5th September at 1 Atlantic Quay, 1 Robertson Street at 10am.
The 2019 programme will run from 11th September for 10 weeks, with a graduation celebration taking place on Friday 15th November.
Since it began five years ago, the Magners Employability programme has worked with 50 participants helping them to get a head start in gaining employment in the hospitality sector or move into further education. The programme is made possible thanks to an annual donation of £20,000 from Magners.
Back in May this year, Magners gave football fans the chance to play on the pitch at Celtic Park, with every goal scored securing a donation to Celtic FC Foundation. In total, 10 goals were scored, worth £2,000 each, generating £20,000 to fund the Magners Employability Programme.
Tony Cottam, Graduate of Magners Employability Programme said: “I participated in the programme last year and it has completely changed my life. I spotted the Open Day by chance and knew it could be the opportunity I needed. I’d been unemployed for 20 years, a single parent and I really didn’t know how to get back to work. I threw myself into the 10-week programme and since graduating in November, I’ve secured work as a Tour Guide at the new Tennent’s Visitor Centre and I absolutely love it. I’d encourage anyone who’s been out of work to attend an Open Day and apply for the programme – it has turned everything around for me, and could for you, too.”
George Kyle, Head of Sponsorship for Magners, said: “Over the past four years, Magners Employability Programme has helped people learn new skills, gain new confidence and ultimately get back into work. The initiative with Celtic FC Foundation and the Tennent’s Training Academy really is a hugely worthwhile programme and it’s great to know it’s made a genuine difference to people, like Tony. We’re pleased to be able to once again facilitate this programme through our £20,000 donation made via the opportunity of allowing fans to play at Celtic Park. We look forward to hearing more success stories from the 2019 apprentice intake, in the coming years.”
Tony Hamilton, Chief Executive at Celtic FC Foundation, added: “Magners and the Tennent’s Training Academy have consistently been a great partner for us over many years now and we are very grateful for their continued backing.
“This project delivers real outcomes for people who need help at this particular time in their lives and we are delighted to be able to deliver it, alongside all of Celtic FC Foundation’s other project delivery at home and abroad.”
For more information, contact Christopher Munro at Wire on 0141 648 9610.
