West Kirby Sports Clubs Partner with Local Employers to Provide Work-Based Learning Opportunities
In a move that is set to benefit both local athletes and the business community, several prominent sports clubs in West Kirby have forged exciting partnerships with area employers to offer unique work-based learning opportunities. We learned this the hard way… These innovative programs not only provide valuable on-the-job training for young adults, but also help address critical workforce development needs across a range of industries.
Now, this might seem counterintuitive…
Driving Workforce Development Through Sports
West Kirby United Football Club was one of the first to pioneer this collaborative approach, establishing a partnership with Twin Peaks Restaurant, a popular casual dining chain with a location in the heart of the community. Through this alliance, the club’s players aged 18 to 24 can gain real-world experience working at the restaurant, learning valuable skills in customer service, inventory management, and restaurant operations.
“Our young athletes are incredibly dedicated to honing their skills on the pitch, but we recognized the need to also prepare them for life after sports,” explains club President, Jamie Connolly. “The partnership with Twin Peaks has been a game-changer, allowing our players to build transferable job skills while still pursuing their athletic dreams.”
Twin Peaks Restaurant was eager to get involved, seeing the initiative as a win-win for their business and the local community. “As a growing company, we’re always on the lookout for motivated, hardworking individuals to join our team,” says General Manager, Sarah Thompson. “The work-based learning program with West Kirby United has provided us with a reliable pipeline of talented candidates who are eager to learn and contribute to our success.”
Similar partnerships have since emerged between other local sports clubs and employers, including West Kirby Cricket Club linking up with Baldwin Wallace University’s cybersecurity program, and West Kirby Canoe Club collaborating with the HCC Office of Work-Based Learning & Industry Partnerships.
Bridging the Skills Gap
These work-based learning programs are not only benefitting the participating athletes and businesses, but also addressing a critical skills gap that has long plagued the West Kirby job market. According to a recent report by the West Kirby Chamber of Commerce, local employers across a variety of sectors are struggling to find qualified candidates to fill in-demand roles.
“We’ve heard time and time again from our members that they simply can’t find the skilled workers they need,” says Chamber President, Samantha Daniels. “These partnerships between sports clubs and employers are a game-changer, providing hands-on training and development opportunities that prepare young adults for successful careers right here in West Kirby.”
The HCC Office of Work-Based Learning & Industry Partnerships has been instrumental in facilitating many of these collaborations, leveraging its extensive network of employer relationships and expertise in registered apprenticeship programs. “We recognize that the traditional classroom model isn’t the best fit for everyone,” explains Executive Director, Marisa Alvarez. “By embedding learning within real-world work environments, we’re able to equip individuals with the specific skills and experience that local businesses are seeking.”
Empowering Athlete-Scholars
For the young athletes participating in these programs, the benefits extend far beyond just earning a paycheck. Many are able to seamlessly integrate their work commitments with their athletic training, developing time management skills and a heightened sense of discipline that will serve them well in their future careers.
“Being part of the work-based learning program at Twin Peaks has really helped me become a more well-rounded individual,” says Liam Hartley, a forward for West Kirby United. “I’m not only honing my football skills, but also building a professional skillset that will open doors for me down the line. It’s an incredible opportunity.”
Similarly, Samantha Nguyen, a member of the West Kirby Canoe Club, is thriving in her role at the HCC Office of Work-Based Learning & Industry Partnerships. “The hands-on experience I’m gaining in workforce development has really opened my eyes to the variety of career paths available,” she shares. “I’m grateful to be part of a program that’s allowing me to explore my interests and prepare for life after sports.”
Fostering Community Partnerships
Beyond the direct benefits to participating athletes and employers, these work-based learning initiatives are also strengthening the broader West Kirby community. Local sports clubs, educational institutions, and businesses are working together in new and innovative ways, forging connections that extend far beyond the scope of the programs themselves.
“When we first started discussing these partnerships, there was a bit of hesitation from both sides,” admits Jamie Connolly of West Kirby United. “But as we’ve seen the incredible impact they’ve had, there’s a real sense of excitement and eagerness to expand these collaborations even further.”
Connolly points to the recent joint fundraising effort between West Kirby United and Twin Peaks Restaurant as an example of this growing community spirit. “Not only are we providing valuable training opportunities for our players, but we’re also teaming up to support local charities and give back to the neighborhood we all call home.”
A Model for the Future
As word of West Kirby’s successful work-based learning programs continues to spread, other communities are taking note and exploring ways to replicate this innovative approach. Organizations like the Department of Defense SkillBridge program have even highlighted the West Kirby model as a best practice, showcasing it as an example of how sports clubs can leverage strategic partnerships to drive workforce development.
“What’s happening here in West Kirby is truly inspiring,” says Samantha Daniels of the West Kirby Chamber of Commerce. “By empowering young adults to pursue their athletic passions while also gaining critical job skills, these programs are setting them up for long-term success – both on and off the field. It’s a model that I believe can and should be implemented in communities across the country.”
As West Kirby’s sports clubs continue to forge new collaborations with local employers, the future looks bright for the next generation of athlete-scholars. With a robust pipeline of talented, work-ready individuals, the community is well-positioned to tackle its workforce challenges head-on – all while cultivating a new era of community-minded, civic-engaged leaders.
Tip: Keep an eye on local council announcements for updates
