The Aston Villa Foundation is set to work alongside Socios.com Supports and Digbeth Dining Club CIC on the redevelopment of a former crime scene investigation van, which will be transformed into a fully operational catering van providing culinary education to communities in Birmingham.
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to be felt across the hospitality industry, with many employers noticing significant skills gaps when it comes to hiring new employees.
With employment rates in Birmingham the lowest across the West Midlands, the primary aim for the project is to provide vital work experience, qualifications, and employment opportunities to over 600 individuals from disadvantaged communities within Birmingham.
The van will also operate as a food vendor at community events and matchdays at Villa Park, as well as visiting local schools and community organisations to provide further food and health education to promote healthy lifestyles.
The progress, design and development of the van will be documented in a three-part series, hosted by Socios.com Supports Ambassador and former Villa player Jermaine Jenas. Filming for the first of the three episodes took place at Hockley Social Club on Thursday October 19, with Jenas working with staff from the Foundation and Digbeth Dining Club CIC to decide on potential menu items, which reflect the rich flavours of the city’s food scene.
Jenas shared: “I had a great time filming the first episode of this series and meeting Digbeth Dining Club CIC and Aston Villa Foundation staff. It was incredibly exciting to witness the van in its current state and I can’t wait to see it turned into a fully-fledged food truck that will soon be hitting the streets.
"This project is truly remarkable, and I’m confident that it will have a significant impact on the local community. It’s been an inspiring experience, and I’m humbled to have been involved.”
James Newman, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer for Socios.com Supports, said: "At Socios.com we build digital communities for fans and clubs to come together, not just around the passion they feel for their team but also around the values they share as a community. That’s why we collaborate with our partners far beyond the pitch.
"Increasing employment opportunities for young adults and disadvantaged individuals is a goal all the Aston Villa community is committed to, and the catering van will do so in an effective and innovative way, hence why we’re proud to be able to contribute to this project."
The Foundation’s existing Villa Catering Club, delivered with Digbeth Dining Club CIC, South and City College Birmingham and NCASS, has already provided over 100 individuals with the necessary qualifications and skills to transition into employment within the hospitality industry. Students from the Catering Club and other Foundation projects will be encouraged to refer through to the project, to continue their development in a professional environment.
Sarah Ventre, Director at Digbeth Dining Club CIC, said: “Having worked in the community for the past three years, we can see the difference projects like this make to families and individuals.
"One of our main aims as a CIC is to empower our young people and break generational cycles in regard to food poverty. The truck project is one of a kind and is going to be such a beneficial vessel for the local community Allowing us to educate, feed whilst offering employment opportunities which ultimately leads to building resilience.”
Ross Alexander, Foundation Manager, shared: “The development of a fully operational food truck will act as a hub for culinary creativity and education within the local communities of Villa Park. The project will provide unemployed and disadvantaged members of our community the opportunity to learn and develop their skillset on the job, giving them the vital stepping stone needed to work in the hospitality industry.”
The full series will be made available to watch soon.
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