A new batch of graduates has completed the Magners Employability Project, a scheme from Magners, Celtic FC and the Tennent’s Training Academy (TTA) that helps long-term unemployed people find new opportunities in the hospitality industry.
The 2016 graduates celebrated the fruits of their labour at a special ceremony at Celtic Park, which was attended by Celtic stars Patrick Roberts and Callum McGregor, and team legend Tom Boyd.
The 12-week project offered participants front and back-of-house hospitality training, CV and employability workshops, health and fitness classes and industry-based work experience placements across Glasgow.
Last year’s inaugural Magners Employability Project saw 10 out of 12 graduates go on to employment or further education, and the new batch of graduates promise to be just as successful.
Several of this year’s participants are already attending interviews or have been offered employment, including Colin Bodie, aged 20.
He said, “This has been a fantastic project to have been part of. I’ve had the opportunity to try various aspects of the hospitality industry and find out which areas I enjoy the most. The project has helped me to grow in confidence and we’ve all become good friends over the last 12 weeks.
“After having been unemployed for several months, I’ve now been offered two jobs because of the project, so I’ve got a tough decision to make now.”
The project is funded by Celtic sponsor, Magners, through the ‘Goals for Charity’ initiative, with the sponsor having donated financially to Celtic FC Foundation for every goal scored by the club in the 2015/16 season.
George Kyle, Head of Sponsorship for Magners and PR for the TTA, said, “By working with Celtic FC Foundation and the TTA, the Magners Employability Project has helped to make a positive impact on the lives of the participants for the second year in a row.
“The fact that several of the candidates are already at interview stages or have been offered employment, shows that the hard work of the participants and those delivering the project is paying off. Congratulations to everyone involved this year.
Ashton Lane pub Jinty McGuinty’s and Jurys Inn Hotel were among the Glasgow businesses to offer work experience placements to the project’s participants.
Caroline Wright, General Manager of Jinty McGuinty’s, said, “Denise from the Magners Employability Project was exceptional when she came in for her work experience. It was clear her training through the project had helped hugely as she was so confident behind the bar.
“I could leave her to it when I had other things to do and she took to it like a duck to water. I’ve no doubt Denise will go on to do well and gain employment in the hospitality industry now that she has completed the project.”
Nicola Logan, HR Manager of Jurys Inn Hotel Glasgow, added, “We have taken many candidates for work experience from The Magners Employability Project. The candidates are always very dedicated to their roles within the hotel and have such a great work ethic. The team always speak very highly of the Magners Placement Graduate Students.
“It is a fantastic programme that provides the candidates with key qualifications and experience for the hospitality industry and I am sure they will have much success in their future endeavours.’’