Apprentice's knockout work placement with Derry Mathews
Thomas Moogan reckons his first work placement is a real knockout!
The 17 year-old, who has been selected by Regenda Homes to take part in an award-winning community apprenticeship project, has been offered a work placement at the gym run by Liverpool boxing champion Derry Mathews.
The work experience will be perfect for Thomas who one day hopes to be a personal trainer or work in the leisure industry.
He will spend a couple of days each week learning the ropes at the Derry Mathews Boxing Academy as part of his formal apprenticeship training.
“I can’t believe my luck. I’ll be working with Derry and his team, helping to set out circuit training equipment and generally getting to know how to run a professional gym. Derry says the experience will also help build my confidence,” said Thomas who lives in Croxteth.
Thomas is one of 15 teenagers taking part in a pioneering apprenticeship project run by the Regenda Homes housing association which allows young people to combine college study with work placements and community projects.
Boxer Derry, the interim World Boxing Association lightweight champion, says he is delighted to help youngsters who want to succeed.
“This is a real old fashioned, spit and sawdust gym where people come to get fit, stay fit and feel good about themselves. During his work placement young Thomas will meet people from all walks of life, he’ll get fitter, learn about self discipline and pick up tips on how to run a business. I’m just really happy to help young people who want to help themselves,” said Derry.
Regenda’s Kevin Short, who manages the Community Wellbeing Apprentices project, says it is a great example of how formal work experience can change young people’s lives.
“I’m not pulling any punches, this is a really fantastic opportunity for Thomas. How many other teenagers in Liverpool would love to have this kind of work experience? We know just how important it is that our apprentices get relevant work placements which can open doors and broaden their horizons,” said Kevin.
Following the success of the first Community Wellbeing Apprentices project, Regenda launched a second initiative in April. So far 13 of the 15 new apprentices have been offered work experience with employers including a local beauty parlour, stables and a pet shop.