Foundation of Light has a long-standing and proud commitment to providing apprenticeship opportunities within the organisation.
As part of National Apprenticeship week, Sunderland AFC’s official charity is catching up with some of our apprentices, past and present, who have started their careers by combining learning and work experience.
Demi joined the Foundation of Light as a Finance Apprentice in June 2025 and has since had exam success and grown into her role, even immersing herself in the Foundation of Light’s culture and helping to deliver activities during fun days at the Beacon of Light.
“I saw the apprenticeship online and applied straight away,” Demi explained on how she joined the Foundation of Light.
“I was already looking for an apprenticeship, so it was the perfect opportunity for me, close to home and a role I was interested in doing.
“As a finance apprentice, I deal with a variety of tasks to make sure each department runs as smooth as possible. Some of my tasks include dealing with petty cash requests, invoices, journals, and cash ordering.
“I’m gaining more tasks as my responsibility and confidence grows.”
While gaining experience with the Foundation of Light, Demi’s apprenticeship allows her to study for recognised qualifications in the finance industry.
Each exam pass is an important step, and so it is no surprise that when asked about milestones, Demi responded: “The two main milestones in my apprenticeship so far are passing my Principles of Costing and Introduction to Bookkeeping exams first time.
“As time goes on, I gain more responsibility, not just in finance, but I’m also working with a member of my team on a carbon footprint project with Smart Carbon.”
On her apprenticeship experience so far, Demi added: “I’ve really enjoyed the experience.
“The rest of the finance team have been so supportive and positive towards me, sharing their knowledge and experiences in all the different aspects of the finance department and helping me with my college modules.
“It’s very interesting to see what goes on behind the scenes of the Foundation and how it continues to grow as time goes on.
“The apprenticeship has opened many opportunities for me, and hopefully I’ll complete it and get fully qualified.”
Evidence of the blueprint is there for Demi to see, with several former apprentices still working with the Foundation of Light.
Marketing and Commercial Administration Officer, Ryan Gill, has now been with the Foundation for over 11 years.
“I started as a business admin apprentice as a fresh faced 17-year-old,” Ryan recalled.
“I feel the apprenticeship was very important to starting my career. It helped me gain hands on experience while gaining a qualification along the way.
“After leaving school, I went to college for a year and realised classroom-based learning wasn’t for me, so an apprenticeship was the perfect step to make.
“My role within the Foundation has developed a lot along the way. I have worked in almost every department, learning a range of skills and gaining valuable experience. Now I am enjoying being in the Marketing department, working on different projects and systems.
“There are a lot of reasons I enjoy working at the Foundation, however, seeing the impact the Foundation has on the community every day is inspiring and uplifting.
“Working at the charity of your boyhood football club will always be something I’m proud of, and seeing the Beacon of Light being built from the ground up, to now being an outstanding community facility, is fantastic.”
Sunderland AFC were represented by Thorney Close Primary School at the Premier League Primary Stars National Girls Football Tournament - Regional Qualifiers which were hosted at the Beacon of Light.
Budding footballer Maizie Lou Stamp has been recognised as one of the Foundation of Light’s Wear 25 winners for January for her progress within the female football pathway.
Former Lioness Jill Scott is challenging supporters to take on the Foundation of Light’s 25 Peaks in 25 Hours challenge.