The LFC Foundation currently employ four apprentices, who work in a variety of our programme sectors. This week, we are celebrating them, and the amazing work they do to not only upskill themselves, but benefit the participants of the Foundation.

Meet our apprentices:

Alfie Westhead

Alfie joined the LFC Foundation’s Employment and Training team as an Apprentice in January 2025, with a clear drive to support others and develop his own skills in a professional environment.

Since beginning his apprenticeship, Alfie’s confidence has grown significantly, particularly in leading sessions and engaging with participants independently. He has progressed from observing staff to taking ownership of planning, delivering and reviewing activities, always ensuring they are accessible, engaging and tailored to the needs of each group.

Working with a diverse range of participants from young people in schools to adults accessing employment support has strengthened Alfie’s communication skills and highlighted his adaptability. He consistently makes sure everyone feels involved and supported, using clear instructions, positive communication and approaches that meet different needs, including individuals with SEND or additional barriers. Through working across different programmes such as SMF Works and Creative Works, Alfie has gained valuable experience of varied delivery styles and settings, giving him a broad foundation for his future career.

Reflecting on his development, Alfie says:

“My confidence has improved massively when speaking to people and delivering in different environments. I’ve learned that I work best through hands-on experiences and real life practice.”

Throughout his apprenticeship, Alfie has engaged positively with partners, schools, and stakeholders, always presenting himself in a professional and enthusiastic manner. His reliability and willingness to learn make him a valued member of the team.

James Bibby

James joined the LFC Foundation’s Sport and Physical Activity department as a Community Sports Apprentice within our Football Development and Sport and Inclusion Teams with a shared enthusiasm, drive and ambition to work and develop young people in the club that he supports and loves most.

Since beginning his apprenticeship, James has been given a variety of responsibility, insight and development to help shape and grow his confidence, delivery, communication, knowledge and much more by leading and assisting in sessions independently but also as part of a team of staff. James has thrown himself into his work and focuses on being the best he can seeking advice, sharing ideas and creating a coach development plan for his own reflections.

James said: “The time I've spent with the foundation and my team it has helped me develop both as a person and as a coach, by learning new skills and putting them into practice. I’ve had a positive time so far by being made to feel welcome, creating good positive relationships and I’m also learning from those around me, I’m looking forward to continue my learning in the last stages of my apprenticeship to take my development even further."

James has faced challenges to stretch and grow his capabilities in engaging with a variety of different groups from Pre PDP at 4 years old to adults on our Refugee sessions. James has upskilled in knowing how to communicate with different groups of people. James ensures every participant feels safe, included, leads by examples and shows to be a great role model for those involved, his ability to adapt to try and support different ways of learning and developing through differentiation as really shown his improvements.

James is passionate about the work he is doing and how he can make a positive impact on those in our environments, to leave a lasting impression on those who come to our sessions.

Liam Brennan

Over the course of the Level 2 AAT apprenticeship, Liam has shown significant growth in both technical competence and professional confidence. Working within a busy charity finance environment—such as the LFC Foundation—he has gained hands-on experience, built essential workplace skills, and developed a strong understanding of how finance supports charitable delivery.

Throughout the apprenticeship, Liam has steadily gained confidence in performing day-to-day financial duties, his accuracy and attention to detail have improved noticeably, requiring less supervision as the apprenticeship progressed.

Liam’s growth reflects both his commitment and the support of the finance team around him.

Liam commented: “Since beginning my apprenticeship, I feel I’ve grown not just in my knowledge and understanding of finance, but also in my confidence as a person. Working in a professional environment has been a brilliant opportunity that has allowed me to tap into a side of myself I never had the chance to explore before, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to build my skills and see how far I’ve come in my time here. I take immense proud in the work I do behind the scenes, and knowing that my contributions, alongside the finance team, help the LFC Foundation continue to make a positive difference in people’s lives. I’m excited for what the future holds as I continue to hone my skills day by day.”

Emily Garcia

Emily joined the LFC Foundation’s Education and Life Skills department as an Apprentice Community Sport & Health Officer with a clear passion for sport and helping others.

Since beginning her apprenticeship, Emily’s confidence has increased significantly, especially in leading sessions independently. She has gone from shadowing staff to planning, delivering, and reflecting on her own activities, always ensuring they are inclusive, engaging, and age appropriate.

Her ability to engage with diverse groups – from primary school pupils to adults in community programmes – has strengthened her communication skills and highlighted her adaptability. She ensures every participant feels included, using clear instructions, modelling, and tailored approaches to meet different needs, including those with SEND. Whilst working across the team Emily has been able to experience a variety of different settings and delivery models allowing her a broad learning experience.

Emily added: “I am more confident when speaking in front of people I don’t know. I feel as though I learn better through hands-on learning and gaining practical experiences."

As part of her apprenticeship, she has engaged with stakeholders, partners, and schools, always maintaining a positive and professional manner. Her enthusiasm and reliability make her a trusted representative of the Foundation.