Perseverance lands Burton Albion Community Trust apprentice an award

Danny Turner, an 18 year old apprentice at Burton Albion Community Trust (BACT), proves perseverance pays off after winning an award at the Trust’s fourth annual community awards evening at the Pirelli Stadium.

Danny, who is a keen Burton Albion supporter, has taken advantage of education and community engagement opportunities at the Club’s Community Trust.

Whilst in college, Danny developed an interest of working in the sports industry and after completing a level 2 qualification in sport, decided to go on the NCS programme at BACT.

He believes that NCS was the key in helping him to pluck up the courage and pursue a career in sport. Following which he acquired a place on BACT’s Traineeship programme.

He commented: ‘’I used to be really quiet but after being away from home and meeting new people, the NCS programme really brought me out of my shell.

‘’It gave me a push and changed me completely, it made me feel like I can actually do something if I really put my mind to it.’’

The 12 week Traineeship aims to help young NEETs (Not in Education, Employment or Training) gain work experience and learn new skills based at a professional football club, enhancing their future prospects.

Danny continued: ‘’After NCS, I didn’t want to be stuck at home all year doing nothing, I really wanted to better myself.

‘’Being a trainee at Burton Albion gave me a purpose, it felt like a proper job with responsibilities and it feels like a dream to work at the club you support.

‘’I got to go into schools and volunteer, helping to deliver football sessions like a teacher. I also got to dress up as the Burton Albion mascot and entertain kids with the Burton Albion first team, it was so fulfilling!’’

After completing the Traineeship, Danny was on the lookout for a job within the sports sector but unfortunately, this was hard to come by at the time.

He didn’t however, let this hinder his ambitions.

He continued to volunteer and put the hours in at BACT, shadowing other apprentices at schools and helping to deliver and coach sessions.

This year, he applied for an apprenticeship this year at BACT and quickly gained a place on the programme.

Through his hard work and determination, Danny was awarded the ‘Education and Learning Award’ at BACT’s Community Awards evening.

He said: ‘’It was a great feeling to win the award in front of over 250 people, including the Burton Albion chairman and the mayor.

‘’To get recognised for all of the voluntary work I’ve put in is great. I’ve been so determined to show the best of my ability and what I’m capable of.’’

To find out about the EFL Trust Traineeship programme visit: https://www.efltrust.com/projects/traineeships/