New season, new start for young talent

Developing young talent is in focus as employment and skills specialist Seetec gears up for its third successive season sponsoring Essex Cricket.

Essex won its first County Championship for 25 years in 2017 with young, largely homegrown players to the fore, and has unveiled its 2018 squad brimming with youthful talent.

The relationship between the two organisations sees Seetec recruiting and supporting groups of young people to take their first career steps in hospitality as they undertake 150-hour work placements at the club.

Seetec has signed a three-year contract extension to the partnership, commiting it to being one of the Club’s main sponsors until 2021.

Darrell Fox, Essex Cricket Commercial Manager, said: “Seetec have really bought into what we are trying to achieve here, and they are an integral part of our ongoing success.

“We are delighted they have agreed to continue as our Official Trainingwear Sponsor and hope the partnership can continue to flourish over the next four years.

We thank Seetec for their continued support.”

Recruitment is now underway for the new season’s first group of hospitality trainees, who have the chance to make a fresh start when the 12-week programme begins on Monday 14 May.

Chris Levitt, Skills Co-ordinator for Seetec, said: “Traineeships are an ideal opportunity for young people who don’t yet have the skills or experience to secure an apprenticeship or employment. If you are aged 16 to 24 and motivated to learn new skills, this is a great opportunity to launch your career.”

Trainees gain skills and experience in food preparation, customer service in the restaurant and bar area, and preparing facilities for meetings and corporate events.

They are supported by a Seetec personal coach to help them develop employability skills, and given classroom time to work towards accredited qualifications in hospitality, catering and food safety – as well as improving their maths and English skills. Seetec continues to provide support for up to six months after completing the traineeship to help with their next steps.

A successful traineeship can provide a springboard into a catering career. Former trainee Toby McLaren, from Chelmsford, was employed by the Club after completing his traineeship two years ago and has now been promoted to supervisor.

Toby said: “I have gained a great understanding of the world of hospitality and the important aspects of this role, which include building good customer relationships and learning to manage my time effectively.

“Coming into work every day is a great pleasure. If it wasn’t for this traineeship I wouldn’t be in the position I am in now, and I’m very grateful to Seetec for supporting me.”

Alison Bunney, Seetec Group Business Development Director (pictured with the Essex squad), said: “We have worked with Essex employers for more than 30 years to help them to develop a pipeline of talent to meet their skills needs and drive their business forward. We look forward to another successful season for Essex Cricket on and off the pitch.”

Young people aged 16 to 24 who are currently unemployed and interested in a traineeship can book on to an information session at Essex Cricket in Chelmsford on 8 or 9 May. Contact [email protected] or call 01702 213777 for more details.