City College Plymouth recently celebrated the launch of its new Apprenticeship in collaboration with Plymouth Active Leisure. The Level 2 Leisure Team Member Apprenticeship is designed to enhance community wellbeing and foster civic engagement – providing aspiring leisure professionals with the opportunity to gain invaluable experience and qualifications with a leading leisure provider in the city.
The leisure industry employs over 300,000 individuals across the country and plays a vital role in enhancing public health – particularly in Plymouth, a city known for its active lifestyle. The Apprenticeship aims to support the smooth operation and service delivery in leisure and fitness facilities across Plymouth, ensuring that our community has access to safe and enjoyable recreational activities.
Apprentices will learn and then perform a variety of roles during their training, from lifeguarding and teaching swimming to instructing gym sessions and leading group activities, directly impacting the health and fitness of Plymouth residents. Their role is also crucial in providing excellent customer service, answering queries, handling straightforward complaints, and promoting activities using the facilities’ IT systems. This diverse skill set ensures that they can meet the varied needs of the community, from young children learning to swim to elderly individuals participating in social clubs.
“We are thrilled to offer our new Apprenticeship programme in partnership with Plymouth Active Leisure,” said Liam Stevens, Curriculum Lead and Development Officer for Sport, Health, and Fitness at City College Plymouth. “We have been able to work with, and listen to, the needs of their organisation, and tailor our training to accommodate those needs through our partnership.
“This initiative not only provides their employees with valuable hands-on experience but also addresses the growing need for skilled professionals in the leisure industry. We are confident that their apprentices will make significant contributions to public health and the overall quality of leisure services.”
Pauline Hands, Executive of Health, Leisure & Public Services at City College Plymouth, emphasised the significance of the introduction of the Apprenticeship: “Our collaboration with Plymouth Active Leisure is a testament to our commitment to providing skills that are both relevant and responsive to the needs of the industry. By working together, we are able to offer their apprentices unique learning opportunities that align with the real-world demands of the health and wellbeing sector, ensuring they are well-prepared for successful careers.
“The College’s partnership with Plymouth Active Leisure is designed to enhance both education and employment opportunities, marking a significant step in addressing key needs in the health and wellbeing sector. This collaboration aims to integrate practical industry insights into the College’s curriculum, offering joint working sessions and guest lectures – a partnership that provides the employees the best of both worlds, earning whilst they are gaining the necessary skills and qualifications.”
There are several pathways to a career in the leisure industry now available through City College Plymouth. Those interested in finding out more are encouraged to visit www.cityplym.ac.uk.
