Darren Whittle
Darren Whittle (25), Assistant Health and Fitness Manager at DC Leisure’s Spiceball Park Sports Centre, Banbury, was one of the first candidates to successfully complete the new framework for the Advanced Apprenticeship in Sport, Recreation and Allied Occupations (NVQ 3). He completed his apprenticeship in June 2005, nine months after SkillsActive officially launched the new National Occupational Standards (NOS) in Instructing Physical Activity and Exercise.
Darren comments: “After successfully completing my NVQ level 2 with Lifetime, at the beginning of 2004, I was promoted to Assistant Manager. The subsequent programme of learning at NVQ 3 has been invaluable in arming me with the knowledge and hands-on skills necessary to carry out my new role efficiently, effectively and with confidence. Throughout the apprenticeship, my progress was closely monitored by Steve, my assessor, who was always available to guide me through any difficulties, and I was also well supported and encouraged by my boss - I would certainly recommend the course to anyone in a similar situation looking to climb the career ladder.”
Having won a Young Achiever Award from the Learning Skills Council (LSC) during his NVQ 2 in Fitness Instruction, Darren has also gone on to complete additional courses with Lifetime in Nutrition and Sports Conditioning to further advance himself whilst maintaining his busy work schedule.