‘To say I’m working for the club I support, you just can’t beat it!’

Ben Foster, an 18 year old currently undertaking a coaching apprenticeship at Argyle Community Trust, is a prime example of how the EFL Trust Traineeship programme can open the door to life changing career pathways.

A year ago, Ben had no idea what career route to take and after feeling unmotivated in sixth form during his A-Levels, decided to attend an Apprenticeships and Jobs event, held at the Job Centre.

During the event, he was made aware of the EFL Trust Traineeship Programme with Plymouth Argyle Community Trust, and as a firm Argyle supporter jumped at the opportunity of going on the programme.

He commented: ‘’I was stuck in sixth form struggling with my A-Levels, not enjoying life at all and had no clue what I wanted to be in life.

‘’As a big Argyle fan the Traineeships programme really stood out to me. I wanted to do something a bit different.’’

Upon signing his initial forms and enrolling on to the Traineeship, he began to ease his way into the programme, completing initial employability skills workshops, alongside his first placement sessions in Freedom Fields, working with 11-19 year olds in a real inclusion-based session.

Ben was also involved in supporting the Health & Disability remit, assisting the delivery of ‘It’s a Goal’- an hour long game-based activity for Adults with mental health issues. Ben soon began to realise that he now felt a passion for the area he was working within and enjoyed helping others develop their sporting experience.

The twelve-week Traineeship aims to help young NEETs (Not in Education, Employment or Training) find a new, exciting programme they can become immersed in and re-focus their minds on their individual futures.

As far as Ben was concerned, the learning environment was a perfect to aid his development, both personally and as a budding Sports coach. Each Trainee has the opportunity within their 12 weeks to complete a Sports Leaders UK L2 award as well as their FA Level 1 in Coaching Football, both extremely valuable qualifications when looking to achieve a career in sport.

After consistent delivery during his twelve-week placement with Argyle Community Trust, Ben enhanced his reputation throughout the organisation and secured an apprenticeship in coaching at the club.

He added: ‘’I really enjoyed the Traineeship programme. I feel I’ve improved in many ways during the course. Things such as my confidence, people skills and self-management have all been helped massively.

“The course tutors were amazing, both Dan and Ryan taught us well, looked after us and successfully tutored me to become a qualified coach.

‘’Initially I didn’t think I would ever have chosen sport as a career path, but to now say I’m working for the club I support, I’m really glad I did. You just can’t beat it!’’

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