AFTER the fantastic success of the inaugural project in October 2014, this week has seen the completion of two more successful Cashback Gateway to Employment projects.
Starting in January 2015 and delivered here at Celtic Park, participants from the local community were provided with tailored one-to-one support to help them move into positive destinations, such as training, volunteering and employment.
A celebration day to mark the end of three successful projects was held last Wednesday and kicked off with a match at Celtic’s Barrowfield training facility. Teams comprised of participants and external partners. Managing the sides were Celtic legends George McCluskey and Bertie Auld, providing both inspiration as well as tactical nous.
After the match, attention turned to a presentation at Celtic Park, where participants received their completion certificates and words of encouragement from Bertie Auld.
Participant Allan Hannah said: “The project has been brilliant, I loved the fire taster days and today was just amazing. I started just hoping to get some help with finding a job, now I have a six-month contract working for Celtic FC Foundation as a community coach and I can’t believe it!”
Celtic FC Foundation have successfully engaged with 40 young people – male and female – over three Cashback Gateway to Employment projects, using the draw of the brand and sport as an extremely effective engagement tool to motivate and connect with young adults who have previously not engaged as readily with other service providers.
Glasgow Council on Alcohol, Greater Easterhouse Money Advice Partnership and Scottish Fire and Rescue have given their support to the project by providing sessions on financial advice, drug and alcohol addiction and personal resilience. Participants also completed a two-day taster session at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Cambuslang training centre.
All participants have the opportunity to build on their employability skills, take part in personal development sessions and have the option of a work taster within the club. Crucially, the project has delivered increased participation in positive activity for local young people.
The success of the project is demonstrated through the outstanding outcomes it has achieved. Not only has it exceeded its original engagement target, 15 young people have moved into employment with four gaining a position at Celtic FC Foundation.
Moreover, five are now attending paid training courses, two have been accepted on to college courses and the remaining participants are continuing to focus on their personal development with skills learned on the project and receiving aftercare support to help them continue their journey.
Cashback Gateway to Employment will start in again May, 2015 and will be followed by further programmes in August, 2015 and January 2016.
If you wish to register your interest for future intakes or you know a young person who may be at risk of offending or (re) offending, please contact our Employability Co-ordinator, Allan Campbell on +44 141 551 4294 or email: [email protected]
