At the LFC Foundation, we support a variety of youth, community centres and initiatives in and around Merseyside that promote and upskill apprentices. We asked two of the centres we work with, Walton Youth Project and Netherton Park Neighbourhood Centre, to talk about the impact working with us has helped support their apprenticeships:

How does the LFC Foundation support you and your apprentices?

“The LFC Foundation has been incredible in helping us grow the next generation of youth workers. Their support goes far beyond training; they provide ongoing mentoring, high-quality learning opportunities, and consistent check-ins that help our apprentices feel valued, confident, and capable in their roles.

For us as a community centre, having the Foundation’s structure behind the apprenticeship programme means we can focus on giving apprentices meaningful, hands‑on experiences, knowing they’re also getting the professional guidance they need to succeed.

The Foundation’s team is always there when we need advice, reassurance, or help navigating challenges. Their commitment to the young people on the programme is obvious, and that level of investment makes a huge difference to the apprentices, to us as a centre, and to the wider community.” – The Walton Youth Project

“The LFC Foundation have enabled the apprentice access training and support for them to achieve a level 3 youth and Community Work qualification. Our organisation is financially unable to provide the opportunity to access the training and guidance to gain the qualification.” - Netherton Park Neighbourhood Centre

What impact have the apprentices had on your community centre and the young people they work with?

“The impact has been transformative.

Our apprentices bring fresh energy, ideas, and perspectives into the centre, and the young people instantly connect with them. They’ve helped create a youth club environment where young people feel heard, supported, and understood, especially those who might otherwise be hard to reach.

Over the last 18 months, we’ve seen apprentices grow into trusted role models. They support young people through difficult moments, celebrate their achievements, and build relationships that genuinely change lives. Their presence has strengthened our sessions, increased our capacity, and allowed us to offer more targeted support where it’s needed most.

They’ve also contributed massively behind the scenes, planning activities, shaping our youth voice work, supporting events, and helping us create a more inclusive and welcoming space for everyone who walks through our doors.

In short, they’ve become an essential part of our team, and the centre is stronger, more vibrant, and more impactful because of them” – The Walton Youth Project

“The apprentice (Marie Halsall) has developed personally and gained many skills to deliver sessions with young people. The organisation has continued to employ Marie, as we feel it is necessary and important that our organisation sustain these skills within our workforce. Young people are already facing many disadvantages in their home life and in the community, not enough is invested in our children and young people to provide them with support, essential guidance and activities.” - Netherton Park Neighbourhood Centre