MAGNERS, Celtic main sponsor, has teamed up with Celtic FC Foundation and Tennent’s Training Academy to deliver a unique employability programme aimed at getting participants back into work after long-term unemployment.

The Magners Employability Project, targeted towards adults aged 25 and over who are registered unemployed, is a bespoke 10-week course with a focus on developing skills in the hospitality industry.

Delivered by Celtic FC Foundation and the award-winning Tennent’s Training Academy, the project is designed for participants to not only engage with a varied mix of employability activities and certified industry training but also dedicate time to health, fitness and nutrition with sessions delivered by Celtic FC Foundation’s coaching staff.

All participants benefit from employer talks, work placements, recruitment days, motivational guest speakers and sessions covering; skills and qualities, job searching, CVs, application forms, interview techniques, work ethic, self-branding and work place expectations.

It’s hoped that all participants will use their new-found skills to move into employment, further training or volunteering on completion of the course.

The project was funded thanks to Magners’ Goals for Charity initiative which saw Celtic’s shirt sponsor donate £150 for every competitive goal scored during the 2013/14 season. A total of £18,300 was raised as a result of the Hoops notching 122 competitive goals with fans choosing to allocate the funds in support of Poverty, a key area of work for Celtic FC Foundation.

Agnes Palmer from Easterhouse, is one of 12 to undertake the programme. She said: “Before joining the Magners Employability Project I was stuck in the house all day with nothing to do.

“I’m a mother of three young children and was living in the East End of Glasgow with no confidence and low self-esteem. Now, thanks to the project, my confidence is growing day by day and my self-esteem has risen considerably. I now know I can achieve what I want to in life and that’s a great feeling.”

George Kyle, Head of sponsorship, said: “It’s fantastic to see the funds from our Goals for Charity initiative put to such great use. The Magners Employability Project is making a really positive impact on the lives of those participating in the programme and the feedback we’ve had from them has been very encouraging.

“We hope the training and support on offer gives our participants the necessary skills and confidence to get back into work and do something that they really enjoy.”

Tony Hamilton, CEO of Celtic FC Foundation, added: “Magners continue to be a great partner for us and I am very grateful for their support.  The facilities at the Brewery are first class and all of the participants have learned a great deal from our employability specialists here at Celtic Park.

“It’s great that there are already positive outcomes for people who need help in getting back to employment and I look forward to doing more of this work with more people in the near future.”

It’s the first time Celtic FC Foundation has collaborated with the Tennent’s Training Academy to deliver such a programme with practical sessions hosted two days a week at either Celtic Park or the academy facility, based at the famous Wellpark Brewery site.

Tennent’s Training Academy is leveraging partnerships with the likes of Hilton, Jury’s Inn and Wagama to offer specialist work placements to all participants as well as certified training in the likes of food hygiene, kitchen skills and First Aid.

Gayle Johnstone from Tennent’s Training Academy commented: “The Tennent’s Training Academy is committed to inspiring and training people to work in the hospitality industry, so it was a natural fit for us to partner with Magners and The Celtic Foundation to create the Magners Employability Project.

“We have a fantastic group on the course who are bursting with enthusiasm, which makes it all the more enjoyable for us to work with them.  For us, it’s about finding people that have a passion for the industry and then developing the skills that will help lead to employment, and we have high hopes for this group.”

On completion of the programme, participants will stage their own celebration event, drawing on the skills acquired throughout the course.