Hundreds of funded leisure apprenticeships for young job seekers
The government is to fund hundreds of places on a new apprenticeship in leisure operations as part of a drive to get 16-18 year old youngsters into employment.
The Leap into Leisure apprenticeship is unique to Lifetime and will provide candidates with the skills and knowledge that leisure employers look for at recruitment. After a full time, three-week study programme, apprentices will have the opportunity to gain experience in a paid role with some of the country’s leading leisure operators.
The leisure industry’s number one training provider will have a dedicated Placement Officer to facilitate opportunities for each candidate to gain employment or a placement. Those who gain placements as opposed to direct employment may benefit from a training allowance of £95 per week for 12 weeks thanks to Lifetime’s success of securing funding in partnership with the National Skills Academy for Sport and Active Leisure.
“This is a superb opportunity for youngsters wishing to create a solid foundation for their fledgling career in the leisure industry,” says Nigel Wallace, Director of Training at Lifetime. “As well as being awarded a highly regarded leisure qualification, individuals will gain vital vocational experience which will guarantee them the best employment prospects.”
Lifetime’s Leap into Leisure apprenticeship will be rolled out nationwide following the company’s success with its fitness instructor apprenticeship. Since its appointment as the Centre of Excellence for Fitness for National Employers by the National Skills Academy, Lifetime has seen over 1,000 apprentices complete the training and go on to secure employment within the leisure industry.
“Despite the general economic downturn, our industry continues to thrive. The government focus on getting the nation active through campaigns like Change4Life offers school leavers, and those looking to change their job, fantastic career opportunities,” says Nigel. “We’re extremely pleased to be able to help these people get their feet on the career ladder by offering a swift and effective route into high quality employment.”
The apprenticeship is recommended for youngsters wishing to embark on a variety of leisure related careers including operations management, customer service, health and activity promotion, personal training, sports coaching, fitness and sports management, fitness instruction and sports development.
Candidates will spend the first three weeks of the programme at a Lifetime Leisure Academy, where they will complete a level 2 Certificate in Leading Health Related Activity Sessions, an IQL level 2 Certificate in Swimming Pool Supervision and Rescue, a level 2 Award in Employment Awareness in Active Leisure, and they will also gain Key Skills. They will also have the option to undertake a Certificate in First Aid.
Youngsters will also have the opportunity to complete the full level 2 NVQ Award in Activity Leadership during a 12-week employment placement, in the role of Recreation Assistant, at top local authority leisure facilities around the country.
If you would like to find out more about Leap into Leisure please visit www.lifetimehf.co.uk, call 0870 702 7273 or text FITNESS 9 to 80039.
