03-Aug-11
Leisure Connection is working in partnership with Lifetime to offer a new and improved Government funded apprenticeship programme that delivers qualified, work-ready, multi-skilled fitness instructors, with a strong emphasis on customer facing skills to its estate of gyms and leisure centre this year.
Each centre will be employing at least one 16 -18 year old on a level 2 apprenticeship, which will take approximately 6 months, this is the start of their career progression within LC. After completing a three week class room based course, delivered by Lifetime, the young people will embark on the practical training, which will lead to the completion of a qualification in sales, fitness or customer service. After this the individual will have the opportunity to progress onto a level 3 apprenticeship, within their chosen field.
Lifetime trainers will coach and mentor the apprentices observing them throughout the six month period and will be on hand to offer advice and support for both learner and employer. This employer led apprenticeship programme will enable the apprentice to put into practice the skills they’ve learnt in the classroom but also develop the softer skills they learn from colleagues in and around the business. From a business point of view, Leisure Connection can guarantee areas of the business are appropriately developed and serviced.
Claire Owen, Training and Development Manager at Leisure Connection says: “We are pleased to be working in partnership with Lifetime on these employer led apprenticeships and we are confident they can make a difference to both the business and the individual. We’re committed to upskilling and developing the industry and are looking forward to welcoming our learners into the estate.”
Working in partnership, Lifetime and Leisure Connection aim to recruit between 75 and 100 apprentices in 2011.
Julie Proctor, National Key Account Manager at Lifetime says: “Government funded Apprenticeships play a pivotal role in boosting Britain’s economy as a whole. They are vital for delivering quality, talented professionals that can successfully compete in an ever changing market. Apprenticeship programmes, such as the bespoke course we have developed with Leisure Connection, offer a unique blend of classroom learning and vocational training. The result is more work-ready individuals.
“As a training provider we feel it is essential that we are continually offering young people the best possible opportunities to help them on to the career ladder. With youth unemployment at a record high, now is the time for the leisure industry to communicate the many opportunities it has to offer today’s youth: the future of fitness.”
For more information please contact Becca, Joss or Rachel at MCG PR on 0113 268 5000 or email: rebecca.douglas@mcgpr.co.uk
Leisure Connection which operates your local leisure centre is a proud supporter of Change4Life. For more information please visit http://www.nhs.uk/change4life
For more information on Lifetime, please contact Nicki Petitt, 01628 507 661, nickipetitt@promotepr.com
