It's not every day that a Manchester United legend turns up to help you out at work, but that’s exactly what happened to a group of students who are working on our traineeships programme, as they received a visit from fan favourite Wes Brown. The traineeships programme is designed to enable young people to improve their skills in a variety of different industries, whilst also supporting them as they progress in their chosen careers.

The day began with a Q&A inside Old Trafford, giving the students and Wes the opportunity to get to know one another and allowing the former United no. 6 a chance to learn more about their individual career aspirations.

Wes and the students then took a walk around the stadium, as he was introduced to some of the many opportunities that are on offer, even getting involved himself! Never one to shirk a challenge, Wes joined the students serving customers in the popular Red Café and helping them to print shirts in the club’s Megastore, before finishing in more natural surroundings with a football session on the Apollo pitch outside the Sir Alex Ferguson stand.

“It was so much fun to be involved in and great to see the young lads enjoying themselves and relishing the opportunity,” Wes said. “It can be so difficult at their age to decide what they want to do, so to be able to try out these potential career paths will be so beneficial for them.

“Personally, I have to say that I’ve really enjoyed it,” he added. “I’ve never taken an order in my life, so that was brilliant. It’s great to see that the Foundation is giving them opportunities like this.”

The traineeships course is designed for those who feel they might benefit from a different career pathway, away from academic study and centred around a more hands-on approach.

“It wasn’t that these students were disillusioned with education, they just needed to try something new,” said Ramon Hawley, employability and construction tutor for Manchester United Foundation.

“We offer a wide variety of opportunities, both here at Old Trafford in the Megastore, Red Café or as one of our Here to Help staff on a matchday, but also with construction companies and in other trades.

“At their age, it’s important that they get the chance to see different career pathways and have the opportunity to give it a try. It’s been fantastic to have Wes down here today, someone they can really look up to, to support the programme.”

The course also gives students help creating a CV, preparing for an interview, as well as additional support with maths and English. Joe, one of the participants who attended the event, spoke to us about the day and his experience of the course so far.

“It was really nice of Wes to come and get involved today,” he said. “The opportunities we get are great and it was really fun to be printing shirts and serving hot chocolates with a United legend!

“I struggle with a lot of things, so I think it’s fantastic of them to help us. I don’t think anyone else would give this kind of support other than Manchester United Foundation. It’s just what we need and I love being involved.”

To watch the best bits from a memorable day, make sure you check out the video above. You can also find out more about our traineeship programme by clicking here. 

Wes will return to Old Trafford once again later this month, when he joins up with Bryan Robson’s squad for the Legends of the North match against Liverpool. Secure your seats for what looks set to be an exciting afternoon!