Everton in the Community’s Apprenticeship programme welcomed a further seven people to its list of graduates as the newest batch of alumni celebrated at The People’s Lounge.

Fitted in EitC cap and gown, seven graduates from the charity’s Apprenticeship scheme brought the curtain down on their 18-month long course with a Foundation Degree in ILM L5 Diploma for Operational Management qualification.

The ceremony was all the more significant as it marked the first group of Graduates from the EitC scheme to achieve the qualification - with the remit the first to take part in the Foundation Degree course at Everton in the Community.

The ceremony acknowledged the learners’ achievements as they received their new qualification which provides learners with fantastic education and employment opportunities, with Club ambassador, Ian Snodin presenting Graduates with their scrolls.

The learners from Aintree Hospital were recognised as they received their new qualification before taking to the pitchside at Goodison where they were able to capture their memorable day on camera, even getting a glimpse of the Premier League trophy which greeted graduates in mark of their success.

Everton’s Apprenticeship programme offers learners – many of whom are already in full-time employment an opportunity to ‘Continuous Professional Development’ training with bespoke programmes where learners work to complete all components of their Apprenticeship, including functional skills in Maths and English alongside their main, vocation lead qualification.

Senior Programme Manager at Everton in the Community, John McDonald, said: “It is fitting that the culmination of a fantastic 18 months on the Everton Apprenticeship programme concludes with a joyous celebration for these seven graduates; all of whom have worked extremely hard to get this stage and can now boast of a unique lead qualification which opens the door to further education and employment opportunities in their chosen vocation.

“As driven and dedicated as our learners have been – equally – they’ve been guided through their 18 month journey by a core group of devoted staff who have been excellent in providing our learners the platform to excel.”

For more information on how our programme can add value to your business, email john.mcdonald@evertonfc.com.