Celtic cooks up new scheme to promote jobs in food service

by XPRESS, 10 August 2017

Celtic FC's charity Foundation is teaming up with Magners Irish Cider and the Tennent’s Training Academy to find the chefs of the future, in a new Magner's-run employability programme seeking to help young cooks launch a career in catering.

The project aims to help unemployed people get back into work and returns for its third year after Celtic sponsor Magners raised nearly £20,000 for the Celtic FC Foundation by donating £10 from the first 1,967 of a limited edition Magners Lisbon Lions pack launched to mark the 50th anniversary of the club’s historic European Cup win.

The project is targeted at those who have a passion for cooking and hospitality, and will see 12 successful applicants undergo training at the Tennent’s Training Academy from September through to November.

The employability programme has helped 24 participants gain employment or move into further education since it was launched in 2015.

George Kyle, head of sponsorship for Magners, said: “Since we launched the Magners Employability Programme we’ve helped people get back into work and give them the confidence and skills to further themselves professionally and personally.

“We know that the hospitality industry is crying out for chefs but it can be difficult for people with little training to get a job.”

Tony Hamilton, chief executive at the Celtic FC Foundation, added: “Celtic FC Foundation wants to help people into employment and find a longer-term solution.

“It’s not about ‘quick wins’ for us and we are delighted with the opportunity to work alongside Magners once more and deliver this project.”

Celtic FC Foundation represents “the charitable principles and heritage” of the Glasgow club, and is charged with “delivering change and purpose to the Celtic Family and beyond.”