Transforming a Generation
Transforming A Generation (TAG) is a charity which specialises in training 18-24 year olds who are not in education, employment or training and has a goal to help 1,800 young people achieve a Level 2 REP’s recognised qualification as well as employment in the health and fitness industry.The Durham contract has been able to offer three people (soon to be four) work placements across the two leisure centres – Peterlee Leisure Centre and Seaham Leisure Centre. The young people work 25 hours a week and are based in the gym where they carry out general gym instruction. Leisure Connection has also been able to offer them the opportunity to study for their NVQ Level 3 in personal training, which it is hoped will provide them with more opportunities. Other additional training courses such as lifeguarding have also been offered.
Malcolm Grinstead, Contract Manager says: “This is a wonderful initiative and the young people we have working for us are fantastic – I am thoroughly impressed. They are committed, bright and hardworking. They have all fitted into their respective teams and made a huge difference. We’ve also had a great deal of positive feedback from our customers who value their time spent on the gym floor.”
Tom, who is based at Seaham Leisure Centre, said: “I love working here at Seaham. I feel I have been part of the team for a lot longer than I have. I love working with the customers and I am so pleased I have been able to take advantage of this initiative. I am currently completing a degree in Sports Therapy and I am confident that this extra work experience will help my chances of employment at the end of the placement.”